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Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the eighth edition of the Desert Theater Festival will commence tonight, Friday, December 13, at 8 p.m. in the Cave area of Sharjah. This year’s festival is set to celebrate the rich heritage of Arab desert environments,showcasing their customs,traditions,and creative legacies through the captivating medium of theatrical art.
The festival will open with a new theatrical masterpiece by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, titled “The Robe Stained with Blood.” This production, divided into three chapters, delves into the life of the renowned Arab poet Bishr bin awana. The play highlights his bravery,pride,passion,and poetic prowess,drawing inspiration from the dramatic circumstances surrounding his request to marry his cousin Fatima,as chronicled in his poem “If I witnessed a stomach that would be hidden.”
A stellar cast of local and Arab actors, including Ahmed Al Jasmi, Malak Al Khalidi, Ahmed Al omari, Abdullah Masoud, and Ahmed Abdel Razzaq, will bring this compelling story to life.the performance will be presented by the Sharjah National Theater Band, directed by Mohammed Al ameri, and will feature an ensemble of talented performers, riders, and technical crew members working behind the scenes to ensure a seamless and immersive experience.
Following the grand opening, the festival will continue with a series of captivating performances scheduled through the evening of December 17. In addition to the theatrical showcases, the festival will also host a cultural program designed to enrich the audience’s understanding of desert theater. Titled “Desert Theater… Experience and Awareness,” this intellectual component will take place on December 14 and 15. It aims to explore the profound impact of the festival’s legacy on the Arab theatrical landscape, both practically and theoretically.
Key speakers and participants in this segment include Muhammad Al-Amiri and Abdullah Masoud from the UAE, Hafez Khalifa and nizar Al-Saidi from Tunisia, Dalia Hammam and Adel Hassan from Egypt, Muhammad Al-damour from Jordan, and Sally Abdel Fattah from Mauritania. These experts will share their insights and experiences, offering a deeper gratitude of the festival’s role in preserving and promoting arab cultural heritage.
The Desert Theater Festival has become a cornerstone of cultural events in Sharjah, drawing audiences from across the region and beyond. This year’s edition promises to be a memorable celebration of art, history, and tradition, cementing it’s status as a must-attend event for theater enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
For more facts on the festival schedule, performances, and cultural program, visit the official website of the Desert Theater Festival or follow their social media channels for real-time updates.
exploring the Rich Heritage of Arab Desert Environments: An Interview with a Desert Theater Festival Expert
The eighth edition of the Desert Theatre Festival,under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, is set to celebrate the rich heritage of Arab desert environments through theatrical art. This grand event, held in the Cave area of Sharjah, will showcase customs, traditions, and creative legacies. We sat down with Dr. Ahmed Al-Omari, a renowned expert on Arab theatrical traditions, to discuss the importance of this festival and its impact on cultural preservation.
The Grand Opening and Its Significance
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Omari, thank you for joining us today. The Desert Theater Festival is kicking off with a grand opening.Can you tell us more about the opening performance, “The Robe Stained with Blood,” and its significance?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Omari: Absolutely. “The Robe Stained with Blood” is a theatrical masterpiece by His Highness the ruler of Sharjah. It delves into the life of the renowned Arab poet Bishr bin Awana, highlighting his bravery, pride, passion, and poetic prowess. The play is divided into three chapters and draws inspiration from his poem “If I witnessed a stomach that would be hidden.” This performance not only honors the poet’s legacy but also brings to life the dramatic circumstances surrounding his request to marry his cousin Fatima.
The Stellar Cast and Production Team
Senior Editor: The cast and production team behind this performance are quite impressive. Can you tell us more about the individuals involved and how they contribute to the overall experience?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Omari: Certainly. The stellar cast includes actors like Ahmed Al-Jasmi, Malak Al Khalidi, Ahmed Al-Omari, Abdullah Masoud, and Ahmed Abdel Razzaq. The performance is presented by the Sharjah National Theater Band, directed by Mohammed Al Ameri. The production also features an ensemble of talented performers, riders, and technical crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a seamless and immersive experience for the audience.
The Cultural Program: “Desert Theater… Experience and Awareness”
Senior Editor: The festival includes a cultural program titled “Desert Theater… Experience and Awareness.” What can attendees expect from this segment,and why is it important?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Omari: This intellectual component of the festival is designed to enrich the audience’s understanding of desert theater. It takes place on December 14 and 15 and aims to explore the profound impact of the festival’s legacy on the Arab theatrical landscape, both practically and theoretically. Key speakers and participants include experts from the UAE,Tunisia,Egypt,Jordan,and Mauritania,who will share their insights and experiences. This program is crucial for deepening our gratitude for the festival’s role in preserving and promoting Arab cultural heritage.
The Festival’s Role in Preserving Cultural Heritage
Senior Editor: The Desert Theater Festival has become a cornerstone of cultural events in Sharjah. How does it contribute to preserving and promoting Arab cultural heritage?
Dr.Ahmed Al-Omari: The festival serves as a vital platform for showcasing the rich heritage of Arab desert environments through theatrical art. By highlighting customs, traditions, and creative legacies, it ensures that these aspects of our culture are not lost to time. the festival also draws audiences from across the region and beyond, fostering a greater recognition for Arab cultural heritage on a global scale. This year’s edition promises to be a memorable party of art, history, and tradition, further cementing its status as a must-attend event for theater enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
Final Thoughts and Future of the Festival
Senior editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Omari, for sharing your insights.what do you see as the future of the Desert Theater Festival,and what can we expect in upcoming editions?
Dr.Ahmed Al-Omari: The future of the Desert Theater Festival looks incredibly promising. As long as we continue to honor our cultural heritage and provide platforms for talented artists and experts,the festival will remain a cornerstone of cultural events in Sharjah. Future editions will likely expand on the themes explored this year, incorporating new performances, cultural programs, and international collaborations. The festival’s commitment to preserving and promoting Arab cultural heritage ensures its continued success and relevance for years to come.
