Sharjah Theatre Days Celebrates 33rd Edition With Performances And Awards

The 33rd edition of Sharjah Theatre Days, a prestigious event in the realm of Arab theatre, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. This significant cultural festival, organized by the Department of Culture, showcases a vibrant array of theatrical performances, intellectual dialogues, and seminars. The event stands out for its inclusion of seven competitive theatrical performances alongside 12 local group performances, drawing participation from a wide spectrum of artists, playwrights, and researchers across various Arab nations.

During the opening ceremony, notable recognitions were awarded to distinguished artists in the field. Emirati artist Abdullah Rashid was honored with the "Honored Local Personality Award," while Omani artist Fakhriya Khamis received the "Sharjah Award for Arab Theatrical Creativity." Furthermore, the Moroccan theater group "Fawanees theatre" was bestowed with the "Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work 2023" for their captivating show "Tekanza...The Story of Tuda."

The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of Abdullah Rashid and Fakhriya Khamis through special presentations. The jury for this edition comprises esteemed representatives from Jordan, the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Palestine. Among the performances selected for this year's competition are titles such as "Marwad Kohl," "Iskan," "Estiyad," "Walimat Eid," "Al Tareq Al Akhir," "Al Mashhad Sifr," and "Kayfa Tusamihna." Additionally, "Zaghrouda" and "Ramad" are set to be showcased outside the competition framework.

This year's edition is further enriched by an intellectual forum themed "Theatrical Directing between Impact and Influence." This forum will see the participation of researchers and theatre practitioners from across the Arab world. The cultural program is equally engaging, featuring interviews with Fakhriya Khamis and Abdullah Rashid, alongside two seminars focused on costume aesthetics and authorship techniques in contemporary theatre.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of several dignitaries including Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Consultative Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, and Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police. Also in attendance were Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, alongside other senior officials, artists, intellectuals, media professionals, and theatre enthusiasts.

The 33rd edition of Sharjah Theatre Days is a testament to Sharjah's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and celebrating Arab theatrical talent. With a diverse range of performances and enriching intellectual discussions on offer, this event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Arab theatre that engages audiences and participants alike.

With inputs from WAM