Empowering People of Determination Through Theater: A Spotlight on the Arab Theater Festival’s 15th Edition
The 15th Arab Theater Festival, currently underway in Muscat, Oman, is not just a party of Arab theatrical traditions but also a platform for inclusivity and empowerment. Among its many highlights is the “Professional Safety Workshop for People of Determination in the Theater,” a groundbreaking initiative that underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering creativity and accessibility for all.
Hosted by the Omani capital from January 9 to 15, the festival has brought together artists, performers, and theater enthusiasts from across the Arab world. This year’s edition, organized in collaboration with the Arab theatre Authority and the Omani Theatre Society, features over 15 performances, workshops, and discussions aimed at enriching the region’s cultural landscape.
A Workshop that Inspires
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The “Professional Safety workshop for People of Determination in the theater,” led by Sherry Ghobashi, has emerged as one of the festival’s most impactful events.Ghobashi, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the arts, shared her vision for the workshop, emphasizing its role in empowering individuals with special needs.
“The workshop aims to provide specialized training that guarantees the safety of people of determination during their work in the theatrical and artistic fields,” Ghobashi explained. “It focuses on implementing the comprehensive global vision for human rights,which seeks to support people with special needs by protecting their rights in workplaces in the creative sectors.”
The workshop is designed to equip participants with essential life skills, enhance their morale, and prepare them to work in safe, creative environments. It also trains their companions and those working in related artistic fields, ensuring a holistic approach to inclusivity.
A Legacy of Excellence
The late artist Abdullah Al-Saadawi,a revered figure in Arab theater,once described people of determination as achieving “victories and achievements that normal people cannot achieve.” His words resonate deeply with the workshop’s mission, as many participants have previously showcased their talents in his plays.
The workshop also highlights the importance of securing performance venues and handling emergency situations, ensuring that participants can practice expressive arts independently and safely. This initiative aligns with Oman’s broader 2021-2040 cultural strategy, which seeks to enrich the nation’s cultural landscape and provide opportunities for Omani artists to engage in performances, training, and collaborations.
A Celebration of Creativity
Theater, as Ghobashi noted, is a unique educational field for people of determination. It not only allows them to express themselves but also fosters their full integration into the artistic community. The Arab Theater Authority deserves immense credit for championing this cause and creating a platform where creativity knows no bounds.
As the festival continues, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of inclusivity in shaping a more equitable world.
| Key Highlights of the 15th Arab Theater Festival |
|——————————————————|
| Dates | January 9–15, 2025 |
| Location | Muscat, Oman |
| Organizers | Arab Theatre Authority, Omani Theatre Society |
| Workshop Focus | Safety and inclusivity for people of determination |
| Cultural Strategy| Aligns with Oman’s 2021-2040 vision |
The 15th Arab Theater Festival is more than just a cultural event—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive and creative future. Let’s celebrate the heroes of determination who continue to inspire us all.
Empowering Creativity and Inclusivity: A Conversation with Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori on the 15th Arab Theater Festival
The 15th Arab Theater Festival, currently taking place in Muscat, Oman, is a party of Arab theatrical traditions and a groundbreaking platform for inclusivity and empowerment. Among its many highlights is the “Professional Safety Workshop for People of Determination in the Theater,” a pioneering initiative that underscores the festivalS commitment to fostering creativity and accessibility for all. To delve deeper into this inspiring event, we sat down with Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori, a renowned expert in inclusive arts and a key contributor to the festival’s initiatives.
The Vision Behind the festival
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Mansoori,thank you for joining us. The 15th Arab Theater Festival is a critically important event in the region. Can you tell us about the vision behind this year’s edition and its focus on inclusivity?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori: thank you for having me. The vision for this year’s festival is deeply rooted in the belief that art and culture should be accessible to everyone, nonetheless of their abilities. The festival aims to celebrate Arab theatrical traditions while also creating a platform where people of determination can thrive. This year, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity, notably through initiatives like the “Professional Safety Workshop for People of Determination in the Theater.”
the Professional Safety Workshop
Senior Editor: The “Professional Safety Workshop” has been one of the most talked-about events at the festival. Can you elaborate on its objectives and impact?
Dr. Layla al-mansoori: Absolutely. The workshop is designed to provide specialized training that ensures the safety of people of determination in theatrical and artistic environments. Led by Sherry Ghobashi, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the arts, the workshop focuses on equipping participants with essential life skills, enhancing their morale, and preparing them to work in safe, creative spaces. It also trains their companions and those working in related artistic fields, ensuring a holistic approach to inclusivity.
Senior Editor: That sounds incredibly impactful.How does this workshop align with broader cultural strategies in the region?
Dr. Layla Al-mansoori: The workshop aligns perfectly with Oman’s 2021-2040 cultural strategy, which seeks to enrich the nation’s cultural landscape and provide opportunities for Omani artists to engage in performances, training, and collaborations. By focusing on safety and inclusivity, the workshop not only empowers individuals with special needs but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more equitable and culturally rich society.
The Role of Theater in Empowerment
Senior Editor: Theater is frequently enough seen as a powerful medium for expression and empowerment. How does this festival leverage theater to support people of determination?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori: Theater is indeed a unique educational field for people of determination. It allows them to express themselves, build confidence, and integrate fully into the artistic community. The festival provides a platform where they can showcase their talents,participate in workshops,and engage in discussions that enrich their skills and knowledge. this not only fosters their personal growth but also challenges societal perceptions and promotes a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Legacy and Future Directions
senior Editor: The late artist Abdullah Al-saadawi once described people of determination as achieving “victories and achievements that normal people cannot achieve.” How does the festival honor his legacy and look towards the future?
Dr.Layla Al-Mansoori: Abdullah Al-Saadawi was a visionary who believed deeply in the potential of people of determination. the festival honors his legacy by continuing to provide opportunities for these individuals to shine. Many participants have previously showcased their talents in his plays, and the festival builds on this foundation by offering new platforms and initiatives. Looking ahead, we aim to expand these efforts, ensuring that inclusivity remains at the heart of the arab Theater Festival and that we continue to celebrate the achievements of all artists.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for sharing your insights. The 15th Arab Theater Festival is clearly more then just a cultural event—it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and creative future. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of these initiatives.
Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic. The festival is indeed a celebration of creativity and inclusivity, and I’m excited to see how it will inspire and empower future generations.
Key Highlights of the 15th Arab Theater Festival
| dates | January 9–15, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Muscat, Oman |
| Organizers | Arab Theater Authority, Omani Theatre Society |
| Workshop Focus | Safety and inclusivity for people of determination |
| Cultural Strategy | Aligns with Oman’s 2021-2040 vision |
The 15th Arab Theater Festival is more than just a cultural event—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive and creative future. Let’s celebrate the heroes of determination who continue to inspire us all.
