emirates7 - His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 8th edition of the Desert Theatre Festival on Friday. The event, held in the Al Khohaif area of Sharjah, will run until December 17th and was attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
Upon arrival, His Highness was welcomed by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Statistics and Community Development Department; Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Suburbs Affairs Department; and other senior officials and artists.
The festival, which celebrates the Arabian desert's traditions, heritage, and theatrical artistry, began with the staging of The Robe Dyed in Blood, a play authored by the Ruler of Sharjah. This three-act production, performed in the festival’s open-air setting, depicts the life
of the Arab poet Bashir bin 'Awana, focusing on his courage, eloquence, and his journey to marry his cousin, Fatima. The work embodies the valor, devotion, and poetic legacy of the Arab people, portraying themes of triumph, sincere emotions, and resilience. Poetry, described as the Arabs' treasure trove, has preserved such heroic tales, akin to how stars adorn the desert sky.
The performance was brought to life by the Sharjah National Theatre Group under the direction of Mohammed Al Ameri. Featuring a blend of local and Arab actors, the integrated performances, storytelling, poetry, equestrian displays, visual artistry, and traditional Arab music, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
The festival continues with a diverse lineup of theatrical productions. On the second day, the Tunisian play Palace of Dust by the "Fann Ad-Dafateen" group will be showcased, followed by the Jordanian play Al-Deera by the Raff Performance Arts Group on the third day. Egypt’s Studio 77 will present Al-Zeina on the fourth day, and the Mauritanian play Al-Hakeem by the Eihaa Performing Arts Group will close the festival. Each performance will be followed by critical discussions, delving into the artistic and thematic elements of the plays.
Additionally, the cultural program includes intellectual discussions on December 14th and 15th under the theme Desert Theatre: Experience and Awareness. These discussions will explore the festival's impact on Arab theatre, focusing on both practical and theoretical dimensions.
Upon arrival, His Highness was welcomed by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Statistics and Community Development Department; Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Suburbs Affairs Department; and other senior officials and artists.
The festival, which celebrates the Arabian desert's traditions, heritage, and theatrical artistry, began with the staging of The Robe Dyed in Blood, a play authored by the Ruler of Sharjah. This three-act production, performed in the festival’s open-air setting, depicts the life
of the Arab poet Bashir bin 'Awana, focusing on his courage, eloquence, and his journey to marry his cousin, Fatima. The work embodies the valor, devotion, and poetic legacy of the Arab people, portraying themes of triumph, sincere emotions, and resilience. Poetry, described as the Arabs' treasure trove, has preserved such heroic tales, akin to how stars adorn the desert sky.
The performance was brought to life by the Sharjah National Theatre Group under the direction of Mohammed Al Ameri. Featuring a blend of local and Arab actors, the integrated performances, storytelling, poetry, equestrian displays, visual artistry, and traditional Arab music, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
The festival continues with a diverse lineup of theatrical productions. On the second day, the Tunisian play Palace of Dust by the "Fann Ad-Dafateen" group will be showcased, followed by the Jordanian play Al-Deera by the Raff Performance Arts Group on the third day. Egypt’s Studio 77 will present Al-Zeina on the fourth day, and the Mauritanian play Al-Hakeem by the Eihaa Performing Arts Group will close the festival. Each performance will be followed by critical discussions, delving into the artistic and thematic elements of the plays.
Additionally, the cultural program includes intellectual discussions on December 14th and 15th under the theme Desert Theatre: Experience and Awareness. These discussions will explore the festival's impact on Arab theatre, focusing on both practical and theoretical dimensions.