Playful celebration

Theatre buffs can look forward to much action at Sharjah Theatre Days

For centuries, ideas have flown and statements been made from the theatre's stage, which touched the people's hearts and minds even more effectively than the print or electronic media.

These were the words of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at the opening of Sharjah's 12th Theatre Days, which began at the Cultural Palace on February 3 and runs until February 14.

A total of 17 plays by local theatrical groups are performing during the event's 12-day run. Dr Sheikh Sultan was stating no more than the truth when he observed at the inauguration that in its 12th year, the Sharjah Theatre Days has emerged as a major celebration of theatre as an essential tool in expressing human feelings and motives.

He professed himself pleased with the improvement national theatre has been making over the years, and admired the ambitious strides made by local theatrical groups, which set the pace for active competition with professional theatrical groups from other parts of the Arab world.

Five local groups have already participated and bagged awards in a number of Arab theatre festivals.

The theatre days began with a play entitled Martydom at the Gates of Al Aqsa, written by famous Palestinian poet Samih Al Qassim.

Presenting a breathtaking drama of the bitter reality Palestinians have been facing under Israeli occupation for over half a century, the play conveys emotions charged with anger against Israeli atrocities in the Occupied Land, and the world's incomprehensible silence, as well as a sincere hope for freedom.

It also criticises the United Nations' passive stand on the violations of human rights Israelis have been practising against the Palestinians.

A series of plays is scheduled to be performed each night. But apart from these, carefully selected from among many entries to enchant the audience, Theatre Days is accompanied by several seminars tackling various subjects related to theatre and the difficulties that hinder its progress in the Arab world.

A panel of judges will assess the performances and select those which will be awarded at the closing ceremony, with prizes to be awarded for best play, playwright, director, male and female characters, decoration, lighting, music, costumes and make-up, and special effects.

Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah, which organised the event, observes this annual meet helps locate creative talent in theatre.

Since it began in the mid-Eighties, he adds, Theatre Days has produced a generation of local artistes, who could now be ready to compete with professionals.

"The Sharjah Theatre Days has become a significant event in the cultural map," he asserts, while praising the keen support the Sharjah Ruler has been providing to theatre, helping it flourish over the years.

Significantly - and judging by its progress - there are promising signs that Theatre Days will be opened in future to participants from various Arab countries, Dr Sheikh Sultan had commented at the opening.

He also urged schools to form student theatrical groups to instill in youngsters an appreciation for this art, and help discover budding talents, who would one day take to stage and enrich the theatrical movement.

The first and last days of the festival are being staged at the Sharjah Cultural Palace, while the other days will see the plays being held at the Sharjah Theatrical Arts Institute.

The plays staged yesterday were The Wooden Boy, by Al Fujairah National Theatre troupe, and Ashwan, by Al Ittihad Theatre.

Today will see Julius Caesar being staged by the Ministry of Education Theatre at 6.30pm, followed by Dar Al Hawa Dar by Dubai's Al Ahli Theatre at 8.00pm.

Tomorrow is the day for The Night Turned on Him by UAE University at 6.30pm, which is followed by Station by Al Fujairah National Theatre at 8.00pm.

Tuesday will feature Fathers for Sale or Rent which is being staged by the Sharjah National Theatre at 6.30pm and is followed by Supermarket by Al Shabab Arts Theatre at 8.00pm.

Wednesday, February 13 the penultimate day, sees Al Hanafish Kingdom by Sharjah National Theatre at 6.30pm, and Until When, performed by the University of Sharjah, at 8.00pm.

The final day will see the Cultural Palace resound to Akhbar, Ahram, Gomhouriah as the grande finale, hosted by the only foreign troupe - Al Ghad Egyptian Theatre Group - at 8.00pm, bringing down the curtain on yet another successful Theatre Days.