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The eighth annual Sharjah Desert Theater Festival, held in the captivating Cave area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, recently concluded its run, bringing together a diverse array of theatrical productions from across the Arab world. From December 13th to 17th, audiences were treated to a unique blend of storytelling, poetry, and traditional Arab art, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian desert.This year’s festival, a testament to the UAE‘s commitment to the arts, highlighted the power of theater to transcend borders and celebrate shared cultural heritage.
The festival featured productions from Tunisia,Jordan,Egypt,and Mauritania,each offering a distinct perspective on storytelling and theatrical expression. Post-performance discussions further enriched the experience, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding of the themes explored on stage. A special cultural program, held on December 14th and 15th, delved into the overarching theme: “Desert Theater: Experience and Awareness.”
Hafez Khalifa, director of the Tunisian production “Qasr Al-Thara,” lauded Sharjah’s support of Arab theater, stating, ”The festival represents an chance to deal with the limits of New and unusual in the composition and acting of theatrical performances, not only as these performances are presented in an open space that does not resemble the “Italian box,” but also because these performances must draw on their themes and forms from its desert environments.”
Muhammad Al-Damour, director of the Jordanian play “Al-deira,” expressed his delight at participating, praising the Ruler of Sharjah’s efforts in modernizing Arab theater. He added, “The Sharjah Desert Theater Festival represents the key to consolidating Arab identity, and pointed out that the festival’s experience alerted us to the fact that there is a tangible shortage in theatrical writings that deal with Arab Bedouin environments.”
Adel Hassan, director of the Egyptian show “Al-Zeina,” described the festival as a “different experience,” attracting adventurous directors. He noted, “Egypt witnessed many theatrical attempts to break free from the framework of The Italian theater, the most prominent of which is the Marquee Theater, but what distinguishes the desert theater is the location of its performances, as well as the nature of the topics it deals with.”
Sly Abdel Fattah,director of the Mauritanian production ”Al-Hakim,” expressed gratitude for the sharjah Department of Culture’s support,stating,”each of their participation was like An opportunity to enhance their potential and skills in approaching the Mauritanian Saharan heritage,to embody it in the festival space.”
The Sharjah Desert Theater Festival serves as a powerful example of cultural exchange and artistic innovation, showcasing the rich tapestry of theatrical traditions across the Arab world and offering a unique experience for both performers and audiences alike. Its commitment to supporting emerging artists and exploring new theatrical forms makes it a significant event on the global arts calendar.
The eighth annual Sharjah Desert Theater Festival, held in the captivating Cave area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, showcased the vibrant diversity of Arab theater. From December 13th to 17th, the festival transported audiences to a world of storytelling, poetry, and traditional Arab art set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian desert.
An Interview with Dr. Leila Osman, Theater Historian
We spoke with Dr. Leila Osman,a renowned theater historian specializing in Middle Eastern and North African performance traditions,about the significance of the Sharjah desert Theater Festival.
The Festival’s Unique Contribution
Senior Editor: Dr. Osman, the sharjah desert Theater Festival appears to be unique in its concept. Could you elaborate on what makes it stand out within the world of theater festivals?
Dr. Osman: What makes the Sharjah Desert Theater Festival truly special is its dedication to site-specific performance.By staging productions within the natural beauty of the desert landscape, the festival creates an immersive experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of a theater space. This not only provides audiences with a unique aesthetic encounter but also encourages directors to engage with the desert habitat as an integral part of their storytelling.
showcasing a Variety of Voices
Senior Editor: the festival featured productions from Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, and Mauritania. How does this diversity of participation contribute to the festival’s overall impact?
Dr. Osman: The festival acts as a vital platform for arab artists to share their unique perspectives and narratives. By bringing together theater practitioners from different countries and cultural backgrounds, the festival fosters cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. It allows audiences to experience the richness and diversity of Arab theatrical traditions while highlighting shared themes and concerns.
Breaking New Ground
Senior Editor: Some directors interviewed mentioned the challenges and opportunities presented by the desert theater format.
Could you discuss the ways in which this format might encourage theatrical innovation?
Dr. Osman: The desert environment presents both challenges and opportunities for directors. The lack of traditional stage elements encourages experimentation with space, light, and sound. Directors must find creative ways to engage with the vastness and beauty of the desert, frequently enough incorporating elements of natural landscape and local traditions into their productions. This leads to a more site-specific and immersive theatrical experience that pushes the boundaries of conventional staging.
A Legacy of Cultural Exchange
Senior Editor: What is the long-term significance of the Sharjah Desert Theater Festival for the Arab world and the wider global theater community?
Dr. Osman: The Sharjah Desert Theater Festival is leaving a lasting legacy by promoting Arab theater on an international stage. It is helping to preserve and celebrate Arab cultural heritage while also encouraging innovation and experimentation in theatrical forms. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging artists ensures that the future of Arab theater remains vibrant and engaging. I believe that the festival will continue to inspire artists and audiences alike and solidify Sharjah’s position as a global centre for contemporary theater.
