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Sharjah, UAE – From October 19th to 26th, the 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days unfolded as a dynamic showcase of Arab theater, blending intellectual discourse, prestigious awards, and a diverse array of theatrical performances. The event, a cornerstone for both established and emerging Arab talents, explored the profound relationship between theater and Arab history and heritage.
A Forum for Intellectual Discourse
A compelling intellectual forum, “Criticism .. Memory of the Arab Theater,” brought together researchers and theater professionals from across the Arab world. Symposia delved into crucial themes, including “andalusia in the Arab Theater,” examining Arab theatrical interpretations of the “missing paradise”; “Theater and the Art of Makam … the object and the possible,” investigating the influence of conventional Arab art on contemporary theater; and “Theater and Enlightenment,” discussing Arab theater’s role in promoting education, fostering intercultural understanding, and advancing societal progress.
Celebrating Arab Theater Icons
The festival honored prominent figures. Syrian artist Asaad Fadda, born in Lattakia in 1938, received the 18th Sharjah Award for Arab Theatrical Creativity. Fadda’s remarkable career spans decades, encompassing directing approximately 30 theatrical productions of both Western and Arab works, including “brothers Karamazov” (1964), “Don Juan” (1965), “Blood Wedding” (1966), “Visiting the Old master” (1971), “Al-Mishr” (1972), “the Adventure of the Head of the Mamluk Jaber” (1973), “The Key” (1979), and “Searching for Aziza Suleiman” (2014).
His acting credits are equally impressive, with major roles in about 20 plays, such as “Death of a Mobile Seller” (1969), “Jean of Arc” (1971), “Oedipus Al-malik” (1973), and “Majniyah’s Diaries” (1976).His influence extends to television, with appearances in over 80 series, including “Al-Jawareh,” “Al-Kawasir,” and “Sagittarius and Al-Shanab” (2023).
Another honoree, Maryam Sultan, a pioneering figure in Gulf theater and a founder of the Sharjah National Theater, began her career in the 1970s. She has amassed over 50 theatrical productions for both adults and children, along with numerous television and radio appearances. Maryam Sultan made great efforts in the local theater in the UAE,
as highlighted in a biographical presentation during the opening ceremony.
Awarding Excellence
The Opera Theater Company from Tunisia received the 2024 Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work for their production, “Bukha,” at the Arab Theater Festival held in Oman last January.The award was accepted by the show’s director, Sadiq Traboulsi.
A Competitive Stage
the 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days featured a competitive program with six theatrical performances vying for top honors among 15 shows presented by various theatrical groups from the UAE and other Arab countries. These included “Saleh’s Gum” (Modern Theater Group, Sharjah), “Creams from the Abyss” (Kalba Association for Folklore and Theater), “Fire Brides” (Khorfakkan Theater of the Arts), “Heels and a Half of Shoes” (Yas Theater), “Try your Plow” (dibba Al-Hosn Association for Culture, Heritage and Theater), and “Baba” (Sharjah National theater Band).
Six additional shows were presented outside the competition, including “Waiting for the Family” (Fujairah Theater), “The next day of Love” (Dibba Al-Hosn Association), “Yassas” (Popular Al Ain Theater), “The Coast” (Umm Al-Quwain National Theater), “Ring Khashum” (Dubai Dubai Theater), and “Cotton Mice” (Dubai Al-Ahly Theater). Two works from the 11th Kalba Festival for Short Plays, “Farewell Song” (directed by Talal Al-Balushi) and “The Haven” (directed by Jassim Gharib), were also featured.
Nurturing Future talent
The 13th Sharjah Forum for Early Arab Theater provided a platform for students from across the Arab world (Kuwait, egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Tunisia) to engage with sharjah’s theatrical scene. The forum included lectures on scenography, directing, and acting, along with cultural tours.
A Jury of Renowned Experts
The opening ceremony, held on October 19th, showcased visual presentations highlighting the careers of Maryam Sultan and asaad Fadda. The jury for this session comprised Emirati actor and writer Abdullah Rashid, Tunisian director Ghazi Zogbani, Algerian director Lakhdar Mansouri, Egyptian critic Yasmine Farraj, and Moroccan writer and director Abdel-Majid shakir.
Unveiling the heart of Arab Theater: Insights from the 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days
Could the vibrant world of Arab theater be the catalyst for a cultural renaissance in the Arab world? At Sharjah’s 34th Theatrical Days,a dynamic blend of intellectual thought and artistic prowess provided a resounding answer.
Q&A with Dr. leila Al-Harith, Renowned Expert on Arab Theater
senior Editor: The Sharjah Theatrical Days is a celebrated event for Arab theater. Can you summarize it’s significance for artists and audiences across the Arab world?
Dr.Leila Al-Harith: The Sharjah Theatrical Days are more than just a festival; they’re a profound celebration of the Arab theater’s past, present, and future. This event brings together both established and emerging talents in a nurturing environment that values dialog and creativity. Artists from across the region have the opportunity to showcase their work on an impressive scale, which in turn raises the profile of Arab cultural narratives globally. For audiences, it’s an invitation to experience an exhilarating fusion of customary stories and modern interpretations, demonstrating the resilience and dynamism of Arab culture.
Exploring the Intellectual Heart
Senior Editor: A notable part of the event involved symposia such as “Criticism .. Memory of the Arab Theater.” Can you elaborate on the topics discussed and their broader implications?
Dr. Leila Al-Harith: These symposia tackled pivotal themes that continue to resonate within Arab societies. For instance, the session on “andalusia in the Arab Theater” explored the idea of ‘missing paradise.’ It examines how contemporary works revisit and reinterpret Andalusian legacies, fostering discussions on heritage and identity. Similarly, “Theater and the Art of Makam” delved into traditional Arab art’s enduring influence on modern theater, blending ancient art forms with contemporary storytelling techniques.
The symposium titled “Theater and Enlightenment” was particularly noteworthy. It focused on theater’s potential as a medium for education and intercultural understanding. By advocating for societal progress, these discussions emphasize theater’s power to catalyze change and foster dialogue across diverse cultures.
Honoring Pioneers in Arab Theater
Senior Editor: the festival celebrated numerous icons in Arab theater, such as Asaad Fadda and Maryam Sultan. What makes their contributions invaluable to the realm of Arab performing arts?
Dr. Leila Al-Harith: Asaad Fadda’s illustrious career exemplifies the transformative power of theater. His diverse repertoire, including adaptations of Western and Arab classics, showcases a deep reverence for a wide range of narratives and storytelling forms. His work bridges cultural divides, reminding audiences of theater’s universal appeal.
Maryam Sultan, in particular, is a pioneering figure who revolutionized Gulf theater. A founder of the Sharjah National Theater, her efforts were instrumental in nurturing a local theater tradition that thrives to this day.Celebrations of her life and work at the event underscore her relentless pursuit of cultural excellence and innovation in a region where the arts were once nascent.
Celebrating Excellence through Awards
Senior editor: The Opera Theater Company from tunisia won the Sheikh Dr.Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi Award. How do such accolades influence the trajectory of Arab theater?
Dr. Leila Al-Harith: Awards like the one given to the Opera Theater Company are not only a recognition of exceptional artistry but also serve as a catalyst for future endeavors in the theater scene. By celebrating innovation and excellence, these accolades inspire other troupes and individuals to aim higher, pushing the boundaries of creativity and originality. This recognition elevates the theater to a respected art form,attracting new talents and encouraging investment in theatrical works across the arab world.
The Competitive Spirit
Senior Editor: Could you describe the competitive aspect of the festival and its impact on both emerging and established theaters?
Dr. Leila Al-Harith: The competitive program at Sharjah’s event is one of its most exciting elements. Featuring both new and established works—from the humorous “Saleh’s Gum” to the poignant “Baba”—it is indeed a testament to the creative vitality and diversity of arab theater. This competition is especially empowering for emerging groups like those from the Kalba Association and the Yas Theater, giving them a platform to gain visibility and credibility. Meanwhile, it provides established troupes a benchmark to innovate continually and engage with new interpretations of traditional themes. This environment fosters mutual growth,encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and techniques among theater practitioners.
Nurturing future Generations
Senior Editor: What role does the Sharjah Forum for Early Arab Theater play in shaping future talents?
Dr.Leila Al-Harith: The 13th Sharjah Forum for Early Arab Theater plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of theater practitioners. Offering workshops on scenography, directing, and acting, it equips young talents with the skills needed to flourish in the performing arts. Additionally, cultural tours connect students with the broader theatrical scene in Sharjah, providing real-world insights and inspiration. Through forums like these, we ensure the continuity of Arab theater’s rich legacy, drawing in those who will carry its traditions forward with innovation and passion.
Final Thoughts
As the curtains close on another accomplished event, the impact of the 34th Sharjah theatrical Days reverberates across the Arab world, inspiring conversations and new creations. The festival stands as a testament to the enduring vibrancy and influence of Arab theater,calling for continued support and engagement from audiences everywhere.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on how these cultural artifacts contribute to the global narrative and engage with us in the comments below or on social media.
This interview is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cultural currents shaping Arab theater today,touching on timeless themes and showcasing extraordinary talent.