Problem statement: A significant number of dramas created, published, or performed in the Kurdish language are rooted in stories, legends, and epics previously composed by Kurdish writers and poets. Among these works, some have received particular attention and inspired numerous playwrights.
The epic Mem û Zîn stands out as one such work that has served as the foundation for numerous dramas and other literary and artistic genres. Composed by Ahmad Khani in the second half of the 17th century, it represents the first long-form poetic work written in the Kurdish language.
Research objective: This article employs Linda Hutcheon's theories of adaptation to examine the diverse influences of Mem û Zîn on Kurdish dramas. It seeks to answer the central question: What impact has this epic had on Kurdish playwriting, and what similarities and differences exist between the original work and its dramatic adaptations?
Research method: The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology based on Hutcheon's adaptation framework, utilizing available library resources, the original epic, and three selected dramatic adaptations: Mem û Zîn by Pîrê Merd, Mem û Zîn by Rasul Bangin, and Mem û Zîn by Talat Saman.
Conclusion: The findings reveal that:
1. Mem û Zîn remains one of the most popular source texts for Kurdish dramatic creations.
2. While maintaining core similarities with the original, Kurdish playwrights have infused their unique perspectives into their adaptations, reinterpreting the epic through various theatrical lenses for contemporary performance.