Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival 2023 Opens With H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan's New Play 'Al Barraq And Layla Al Afeefa'

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the ninth Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival. The event, attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, will continue until 17 December. The festival opened with a play authored by the Ruler himself, titled "Al Barraq and Layla Al Afeefa," performed in the Al Kehaif area.

The play "Al Barraq and Layla Al Afeefa" is a unique production that draws inspiration from Arab history and poetry. It celebrates themes of heroism, loyalty, and love for the land through eloquent verses that have been cherished across generations. The performance integrates expressive techniques and filmed sequences to enhance its impact on the audience.

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The Sharjah National Theatre played a pivotal role in staging this production, featuring notable actors such as Ahmed Al Jasmi and Basel Yakhour. Directed by Mohammed Al Ameri, the play combines stage acting with filmed performances to deliver a sophisticated theatrical experience. The use of horses and camels added realism to the scenes.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan praised the actors' performances, script quality, and advanced techniques used in the production. He highlighted how elements like cinematic presentation were incorporated into the play’s diverse components. This effort aims to represent the UAE at the festival while competing against entries from various Arab nations.

This year's festival theme is "Desert Theatre and the Aesthetics of Arab Folk Narratives." It explores how Arab folk tales can enrich desert theatre creatively. The event showcases performances that highlight cultural heritage through theatre aesthetics, aiming to expand creative horizons within this genre.

The Ruler of Sharjah emphasised theatre's importance in society and encouraged support for its advancement. He recalled his early dedication to theatre since 1954 when he directed a successful play during a holiday gathering under the "Ruwla tree." This event marked a significant achievement for youth-led theatre at that time.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy's Contribution

The Sharjah Performing Arts Academy plays a crucial role in nurturing future talents in theatre arts. It aims to produce skilled graduates from across the Arab world who are guided throughout their studies and careers. This approach ensures students receive proper attention to prevent them from being lost after graduation.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan stressed that theatrical work should transcend regionalism and focus on meaningful messages rather than trivial or comedic content. He urged playwrights and directors to develop their skills rapidly to compete internationally while upholding credibility in their works.

Historical Context of Theatre in Sharjah

Reflecting on past challenges faced by theatre in Sharjah during the late 1950s and early 1960s, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan recounted conflicts with British authorities over powerful theatrical productions he had created. Despite these obstacles, he remained committed to promoting credible works that resonate with audiences worldwide.

The festival site celebrated Arab desert environments through performances by folk troupes showcasing traditional customs and creative heritage. These presentations highlighted performers’ skills in incorporating cultural elements into scenes that strengthen audience connections with their traditions.

The festival’s conclusion on 17 December will mark an end to this celebration of desert theatre’s artistic possibilities offered by Arab folk narratives while exploring new creative horizons within this genre.

With inputs from WAM