Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Inaugurates the 33rd Sharjah Theatre Days
Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, graced the opening ceremony of the 33rd edition of Sharjah Theatre Days, held at the Cultural Palace in Sharjah on Saturday evening. Organized by the Department of Culture, this prestigious event marks a significant celebration of theatrical excellence and cultural richness.
Seven compelling theatrical performances, vying for the prestigious awards of this edition, took center stage. The competition, set to conclude on March 9, features 12 additional theatrical performances presented by theatrical groups from the UAE. The event also boasts a diverse participation of artists, playwrights, and researchers from various Arab countries, contributing to the intellectual programs, dialogues, and seminars accompanying the performances.
During the opening ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honored Emirati artist Abdullah Rashid with the esteemed “Honored Local Personality Award” for his significant contributions to local theater since his initiation in 1984. Additionally, the Omani artist Fakhriya Khamis was recognized with the “Sharjah Award for Arab Theatrical Creativity” in its seventeenth edition. The Moroccan theater group “Fawanees theatre” received the “Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work 2023” for their exceptional show, “Tekanza…The Story of Tuda.”
The ceremony featured visual presentations celebrating the achievements of Abdullah Rashid and Fakhriya Khamis, showcasing their impactful careers and contributions to the theatrical landscape. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and attendees had the opportunity to witness the artistic journey of these distinguished personalities.
The jury for this edition was introduced during the ceremony, including writer Hazza Al-Barari from Jordan as the head of the committee, artist Walid Al-Zaabi from the UAE, director Dr. Masoud Bou Hussein from Morocco, director Nasser Abdel Moneim from Egypt, and director and writer Ihab Zahida from Palestine.
Among the qualified performances in the competition are notable works such as “Marwad Kohl” by the Dibba Society for Culture Arts and Theatre, “Al Tareq Al Akhir” by the Dubai National Theatre, and “Kayfa Tusamihna” by the Sharjah National Theatre team.
Two theatrical performances, “Zaghrouda” by the Kalba Folklore and Theatre Society and “Ramad” by the Fujairah Theatre team, were selected for presentation outside of the competition.
The cultural program accompanying the 33rd edition includes the 12th Sharjah Forum for Arab Theatre Pioneers, featuring graduates of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and other Arab theatre colleges. The intellectual forum focuses on “Theatrical Directing between Impact and Influence,” with researchers and practitioners from various Arab countries participating.
Additionally, the cultural program encompasses interviews with award winners Fakhriya Khamis and Abdullah Rashid, along with seminars discussing the semantics and aesthetics of costumes in contemporary theater and authorship techniques in contemporary Bahraini theater.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Consultative Council of the Emirate of Sharjah; Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, among other senior officials, artists, intellectuals, media professionals, and theater enthusiasts. The 33rd Sharjah Theatre Days promises to be a showcase of cultural vibrancy and artistic excellence, reflecting the commitment of Sharjah to the promotion of the arts.
