Festival of one-man shows begins in Fujairah theatres

The Monodrama Festival was kicked off yesterday with a one-man show by the Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, inaugurated the 10-day Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

The opening was also attended by Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Deputy Ruler of Fujairah, Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of Fujairah Ruler's Office and Chairman of the festival, heads of government establishments and more than 150 theatre experts, actors, critics and directors representing 17 countries from around the world.

Contemporary Circus, a one-man play by Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre and performed by Abdullah Rashid, was the inaugural play of the festival being hosted for the first time in Fujairah.
Commenting on the monodrama, Sabah Atwan, the playwright, said: "It is a cry that expresses man's feeling of loneliness in a world that does not realise his humanity."

After unveiling the commemorative plaque of the festival, the Ruler greeted the actors and artistes who will perform in 13 one-man-shows reflecting social and political issues. The festival runs till December 12.

Apart from theatre experts, actors and actresses from various countries are also attending the festival, organised by Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre.

The guests include two famous Egyptian TV and film stars as well as other celebrities. Thespians from over 13 countries will vie for top honours.

"The Fujairah International Monodrama Festival is the first cultural celebration of its kind on an international level to be organised in the Arab region, focusing on the performance of one actor in a play," said Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani.

The performances are being staged at the Dibba Al Fujairah Association for Arts, Folklore and Culture and the Fujairah office of the Ministry of Information and Culture.

"A large number of theatre critics and more than 30 actors, directors and playwrights, including two Egyptian TV and movie icons – Yahya Al Fakharani and Nour El-Sherief – are here to watch the plays," said Al Dhanhani.

Another play to be staged from the UAE is The Lighthouse Man. Al Dhanhani stressed the great support of the Fujairah Government and Sheikh Hamad towards making this festival a success.

"Our festival is special as it coincides with the celebration of the UAE National Day, and that gives the event a great importance as it will be a chance to show the world some of the country's cultural treasures," he added.

Thirteen artistes and actors from the UAE are also taking part in the festival and the subsequent seminars and cultural symposia which will be organised to critique each play and analyse its ideas.

"The festival will be a good opportunity for every theatrical artist to take part and show his talent. We call on all the local theatrical associations in the UAE to participate in this important event," said Al Dhanhani.

Aziz Khayoun, theatre director and director of the festival, said the monodramas will focus on the creativity and artistic ability of the solo actor in the play.

He noted that monodrama being a special kind of theatrical performance, needs a very talented actor to hold the attention of the audience for more than 90 minutes. "We'll enjoy the performances of many actors from different countries. The actors, directors and playwrights can exchange ideas in this type of acting," added Khayoun.

An exhibition of photographs of Fujairah's development in the last 25 years will be held at the Dibba Association for Arts, Folklore and Culture during the festival. The guests will also visit Fujairah's tourist attractions.

A seminar will be held tomorrow on the historical roots of monodrama and its development, its features and intellectual background, and its echo in the Arab theatre.

VENUES

At Dibba Al Fujairah:
* Contemporary Circus (UAE)
* Five Dolls (Jordan)
* Words in the Sand (Lithuania)
* Me and the Cello (Tunisia)
* Men With Moustaches (Egypt)
* Contemplative Clown (Spain)
* Debate Between Day and Night (Kuwait)
* Who Can Lend a Young Singer an Old Song to Sing (Germany)
* A Twinkle (Syria)

At Fujairah:
* Fatima (Palestine)
* About to See Him (Morocco)
* She Who Will Come Or... (Iraq)
* Man of the Lighthouse (UAE)