Why is theater so unpopular in Muslim countries? Do they have other forms of theater?

[tictactoes]

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Muslims have produced great science and art in various forms, but I learned through travelling that theater (in the Greek or Western tradition) is totally unpopular, except among small groups of students and in certain countries.

I guess there are cultural and political reasons, but note that on the contrary, Western cinema is popular in these countries, so I would appreciate insiders to comment on this.

On the other hand, we often see in the news covering these countries, large crowds gathered around a few guys burning a flag, or the image of a hated someone.

Can this be considered a form of theatre? The flag burners may be conscious or not, but they may be acting, not in the Shakespearian sense ("All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players") but in an active way of self expression, and seeking approval from the crowd around them. Note that in these gatherings the crowds do cheer and shoot their guns to the air, as if applauding a performance.

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[winker]

Except in India, women aren't allowed to act or sing or do any kind of public performances. Therefore men would have to kiss each other, and that's totally unacceptable.
Flag and picture burnings are often organized for the news cameras. They just get a bunch of guys who are around and if they have a flag or picture, they burn it. It's totally staged for the cameras. I once saw an overview of this being done for a news crew.

[shelob]

They also do not approve of any music that could inspire men and women to dance together. It really does seem to be the dullest and most tedious religion imaginable - but then I abhor all religion (except the jolly pagans!).

[McWizard]

Yes they have other forms of theatre. It's called "beheading"