Sharjah: Located in the heart of the Sharjah heritage area is the Theatrical Association which was originally the home of the family of Mohammad Jassem Al Midfa for 100 years.
"It is a home for all of us who work in the theatre in UAE," says Esmail Abdullah, Head of the Association, describing the place. "It is an umbrella for our dreams and an organisation to help them achieve these dreams."
Abdullah, who was recently elected to his post, plans to make Emirati plays well known in the region. "We need programmes and training for our artistes."
About the beginnings of the association, Abdullah said that in 1994 some artistes came up with the idea. Its first official meeting was held shortly after.
He said it was not the only time that artistes had gathered to set up such an association.
The first time was in the early 1980s, but they did not succeed because of many obstacles, said Abdullah.
"At that time there was no clear recognition of theatre in the UAE as a creative art," he said.
"The minister in-charge then, felt there was no need for such an association. 'We have an active theatrical section in the ministry and it provides everything', he would say," said Abdullah.
Only when artistes firmly insisted for an association was it finally established. The government of Sharjah offered the building for the headquarters of the association in old Sharjah.
Support
"But the initial enthusiasm to do something different, wore off," admits Abdullah.
"The work became routine and monotonous. There was a lack of support and financial help. Frankly, the association did not achieve its goals during the past 14 years."
Today the Ministry of Culture offers the association a yearly budget of Dh170,000 and members pay Dh100 as membership fee. "But without the active support of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the association would not be able to function," said Abdullah.
Missing ingredients
Still, some of the basic ingredients for professional theatre are missing, he said. "First of all we don't have a big audience.
As creative people we cannot market our product, the 'plays' and get income from it."
Since the past three years, with the support of Shaikh Sultan and some publicity, a theatre season was created in the summer, he said. "People are attending the plays and in some places the theatres were full."
Abdullah feels that it is a big achievement and is a sign that plays can sponsor themselves.
"We want to strengthen our troupes so that they can produce plays regularly. Some troupes are ready and have all the basics. We can help them in marketing."
Abdullah said the association is preparing for workshops and training courses to help produce "a successful play".
Association members have been given a TV production unit at Sharjah TV to use in the summer when no plays are staged.
Abdullah said more members are needed in the Association - the present strength is 220.
"The first step is to open soon branches in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah," he said. Hopefully the opening will be in September.
The two branches will cooperate with the local cultural and heritage authorities, said Abdullah. "I hope members feel honoured to be part of the association. At the same time, they have to benefit from their membership and defend their rights."
Abdullah, who is a playwright himself, confessed that he became a member recently, "because it did not attract me [before] and I felt it was of no benefit to me. A number of people had the same feeling and others felt there was no need to 'drag' others to take part".
