Nabil Mutawakil was born and raised in Bahri al-Danagla, in the north of Khartoum.
He was an actor, dramatist and screenwriter, who went on to become a household name in Sudan. His career began in the 1960s and spanned some 40 years. He was a prolific and talented playwright, whose most prominent works include ‘Anbar al-Majnouna’ and ‘Dharra Wahda La Takfi.’ Across the course of his career he wrote, produced and presented hundreds of dramatic works for theatre, television and radio.
Nabil was considered a pioneer of reformist social theatre, tackling contemporary issues through his plays and television programmes. He considered drama an important tool that could transform political and social attitudes.
Nabil died on 22 July 2024 in al-Qadarif State, eastern Sudan, from an untreated illness. Despite being very frail, Nabil had endured constant displacements due to the war, first from the al-Kalakla neighborhood in Khartoum to Wad Madani, and finally to al-Qadarif town. Like thousands of others in Sudan, Nabil died not from direct violence but due to the devastation the conflict has caused to the health system. The complete collapse of healthcare services has led many to die from treatable diseases and injuries.
Nabil leaves behind a wife, three sons and a daughter.