Sharjah Theatrical Days: Seminars Explore Theater’s Past, Present, Future

Sharjah Theatrical Days: Seminars Explore Theater’s Past, Present, Future

February 21, 2025 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Entertainment

The 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days: A Celebration of Arab Theater

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Sharjah, UAE – The 34th session of the Sharjah Theatrical Days, which continues until January 26, 2024, is a landmark event dedicated to exploring the rich history, cultural significance, and future of theater in the Arab world. This year’s event emphasizes intellectual seminars, meetings, and performances that delve into the intricate relationship between theater, history, and criticism while looking forward to future artistic and academic development within entertainment industry.

Under the theme Criticism… Memory of the Arab Theater, researchers and theater experts from various Arab countries will participate in meaningful discussions focusing on the evolution, intellectual vitality, and narrative of Arab theater. The seminar, titled “”Theater and Enlightenment,” will delve into how the Arab theater promotes education and societal progress.

Featured Artists and Discussions

Syrian artist Asaad Fadda will have a special interview on the occasion of receiving the Sharjah Award for Arab Theatrical Creativity in its 18th edition, Asaad Fadda, born in 1938 in Lattakia, has been a key figure in the Syrian theatrical scene for over 50 years. His extensive career spans multiple roles, including directing, acting, administration, and academia.

The celebrated artist has directed over 30 performances, both from Western and Arab plays such as: “Don Juan (1965),” “Blood Wedding (1966), “the “The adventure of the head of the Mamluk Jaber (1973),” and “Searching for Aziza Suleiman (2014).”

Additionally, Fadda has portrayed significant roles in over 20 plays, including notable performances in “The death of a mobile seller (1969),” “Oedipus Al-Malik (1973),” and “Majniyah’s Diaries.” His contributions to international theater on television include more than 80 series, such as “Al-Jawareh,” “Al Kawasir,” “Sagittarius and Al-Shanab.

Syrian artist Asaad Fadda, prominent figure in Syrian theatrical scene.

Honoring Pioneers

Another distinguished figure, Maryam Sultan, a founding member of the Sharjah National Theater and a pioneer in Gulf theater scene, will be honored this also this session. Sultan’s career, spanning over four decades, includes more than 50 theatrical performances, both for adults and children, and numerous TV and radio series.

Competitions and Awards

The 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days will feature competitive performances, and non-competitive shows, The main stage will host performances from participating teams and theaters from across the country. Some of the notable competitions include:

outside of the competition:

  • Participating performances include “Ring Khashum,” by the Dubai Theater,
  • “Farewell Song” .
  • “The haven”

The 11th session of the Kalba Festival for short plays will also be showcased, featuring award-winning presentations.

International Participants and Forums

This year, the Thirteenth Sharjah Forum for Early Arab Theater, an annual gathering for theater colleges and institutes of the Arab world, will provide students and faculty from countries like Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, Kuwait, and Morocco the unique opportunity to participate in Sharjah’s theater activities. The forum will feature theoretical and performance lectures on scenography, direction, and acting, complementing cultural tours of Sharjah’s historical landmarks.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

The opening ceremony for the 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days, showcased two visual performances highlighting the careers of Maryam Sultan and Asaad Fadda. This was an electrifying event that included the participation of esteemed members of the jury, such as Emirati actor and writer Abdullah Rashid, Tunisian director Ghazi Zogbani, Algerian director Lakhdar Mansouri, Egyptian critic Yasmine Farraj, along with Moroccan writer and director Abdel-Majid Shakir.

Portrait of Mohamed Magdy
The esteemed jury panel also highlighting an impressive lineup of critics, directors, and artists who will contribute to the artistic evaluations and discussions during the event.

Final Thoughts: Expanding the Conversation

Ivan Grant, a prominent American theater director commented, that it’s crucial to support emerging artists in the field, The future of Arab theater lies in nurturing new talent and preserving historical narratives. He says: “It’s important for us to explore how theater can influence societal development and cultural discourse.”

“Andalusia in the Arab Theater” discusses directions considering a mix of traditional and modern narratives

Theater, an age-old expression of human circumstance, continues to grow independently in the Arab region, surpassing the chaotic aspect of modern society The continuous growth suggests implying, convergence that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, providing new outlets for self-expression and cultural understanding.

The 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days: A Celebration of Arab Theater

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days?

The 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days is an essential event focused on exploring the history, cultural significance, and the future of theater in the Arab world. It emphasizes intellectual seminars, meetings, and performances that highlight the relationship between theater, history, and criticism and aims at fostering artistic and academic growth within the entertainment industry.

What is the theme for the 34th Sharjah Theatrical days?

The theme for the event is “Criticism… Memory of the Arab Theater.” This theme focuses on the evolution,intellectual vitality,and narrative of Arab theater. Seminars under this theme explore how theater promotes education and societal progress.

Link: Sharjah Theatrical Events

Who are some of the featured artists at the event?

  • Asaad Fadda: Syrian artist and a key figure in the Syrian theatrical scene, renowned for his roles in directing, acting, administration, and academia. He will be honored for receiving the Sharjah Award for Arab Theatrical Creativity in its 18th edition.
  • Maryam Sultan: A founding member of the Sharjah National Theater and a pioneer in the Gulf theater scene, Sultan’s career spans over four decades, with accolades in numerous TV and radio series and theatrical performances.

What are some of the notable competitions and performances?

  • Competitive Performances:

– “Saleh’s gum” by the Modern theater Group in Sharjah

– “Creams from the abyss” by the Kalba Association for Folklore and Theater

– “Fire Brides” by Khorfakkan Theater

– “Heels and a half of shoes”

  • non-Competitive Performances:

– “Ring Khashum” by the Dubai Theater

– “Farewell Song”

– “The haven”

Additionally, the 11th session of the kalba Festival for short plays will be showcased.

Who are some of the jury members for this event?

Esteemed jury members include:

  • Abdullah Rashid: Emirati actor and writer
  • Ghazi Zogbani: Tunisian director
  • Lakhdar Mansouri: Algerian director
  • Yasmine farraj: Egyptian critic
  • Abdel-Majid Shakir: Moroccan writer and director

what are some challenges faced by the contemporary theater scene in the Arab world?

The debate around contemporary theater involves balancing commercial success with cultural integrity. While some argue that theater is drifting away from its historical roots, others suggest theater can serve as a bridge between tradition and modern themes, much like the coexistence of Broadway and Off-Broadway in fostering theater development.

What international forums will be conducted during the Theatrical Days?

The Thirteenth Sharjah Forum for Early Arab Theater will be held, bringing together students and faculty from theater colleges across the Arab world, including Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, kuwait, and Morocco. The forum includes theoretical and practical lectures on scenography, direction, and acting, combined with cultural tours.

What was highlighted in the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony showcased visual performances celebrating the careers of Asaad Fadda and Maryam sultan. Esteemed members of the jury participated, presenting an impressive lineup of critics, directors, and artists who will contribute throughout the event.

How does the event plan to support the future of Arab theater?

Prominent American theater director Ivan Grant emphasizes the importance of nurturing new talent and preserving historical narratives. The future of Arab theater hinges on exploring its societal and cultural impact.

Quote: “It’s crucial for us to explore how theater can influence societal development and cultural discourse.”

What messages emerge from the discussions on theater in Sharjah?

Discussions on theater at Sharjah Theatrical Days highlight the convergence of traditional and modern narratives. As echoed in the seminar “Andalusia in the Arab Theater,” theater continues to grow and transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, offering new opportunities for self-expression and cultural understanding.

Additional Resources

By weaving cultural heritage with contemporary themes, the 34th Sharjah Theatrical Days fosters a robust dialog on the path forward for Arab theater, ensuring its vibrant legacy continues to thrive.