Emerging Emirati theatre artists showcase talent

posted on 04/10/2011: 74 views

Laughter of around 700 people rocked the opening night of the fifth edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre on Sunday at Al Mamzar.

The festival, held under the patronage of Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture, aims to promote Emirati and Arab theatre artists by providing a dedicated platform to showcase their talent.

"The significant strides made by the Festival is underscored by the strong participation from the theatre community, as well as the number of plays that will be performed. With over 150 new artists, eight new directors and three new playwrights, the fifth edition clearly highlights the success of the Festival in fostering new Emirati talent and encouraging them to step forward to prove their abilities," said Saeed Al Naboudah, Acting Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Kuwaiti artists Abdul Rahman Al Aql, Dawood Hussain, Bassem Al Amir, and Qatar's Ganem Al Salithi graced this year's festival.

Satirical comedy

Theatre personality Yahya Al Haj, was honoured as the ‘Personality of the Year' for his contributions to the development of Arabic theatre, focusing on training young and emerging talent.

The festival premiered with Fasel wa Nowasel by the Bani Yas Theatre.

A satirical comedy directed by Hamed Al Mahry, the play highlighted how the media focus on trivialities and form instead of content. It critiqued how ratings negatively influence TV programming in the region and how TV programmes affect the region's culture and behaviour.

Members of the audience, comprising mostly young people, noted how the play captured their imagination. "It was really interesting because we felt as if we were really there watching TV and we're switching channels as the play unfolded," Shatha, 27, told Gulf News. "The lighting effects were really great. Also, even with very little props, costumes, and effects, you could actually feel the story," Kelly, who watched the show with her colleagues, told Gulf News.

Jury members

This year's festival will feature 11 plays from almost all the established theatre groups in the UAE. The jury includes screenwriter Jamal Salem Al Tamimi, theatre professionals Hafez Amaan and Najila Al Shehhi, theatre actor Abdullah Saleh, and writer/poet and theatric researcher and critic Haitham Al Khawaja.

INFORMATION

What: Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre (5th Edition)

Where: Dubai Cultural & Scientific Association, Al Mamzar

When: October 1 to 12

Contact: 800 4003 or info@dubaiculture.ae. – Gulf News

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