Sheikh Dr. Sultan Launches Youth Theatre Award in Sharjah

Post by : Mamta

H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and Supreme President of the Arab Theatre Institute, has announced a major initiative to advance youth theatre in the Arab world. During a meeting of the Institute’s Board of Trustees at its Sharjah headquarters, he launched the “Sultan Al Qasimi Award for Youth Theatre Excellence” and outlined plans to strengthen school theatre through national and Arab-level festivals.

The announcement underlines Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s continued commitment to fostering theatre as a tool for cultural education and societal development. The new award aims to recognise the creativity and dedication of young people who contribute to the growth of Arab theatre.

Focus on School Theatre Across Arab Countries

H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan directed the Arab Theatre Authority to focus on school theatre initiatives. Plans include national school theatre festivals within individual countries, as well as an Arab School Theatre Festival, inviting participation from schools throughout the Arab world.

“These festivals are designed not only to showcase talent but also to educate students about the cultural and educational significance of theatre,” Sheikh Dr. Sultan said during the meeting. “Introducing young people to theatre will help them develop creative skills and build awareness about society through artistic expression.”

The initiative also aims to train teachers and school supervisors in theatre activities and curricula. The programs emphasize a balance between cultural enrichment and educational learning, encouraging early participation in artistic and cultural activities.

Honouring Theatre Professionals and Development Efforts

During the meeting, Sheikh Dr. Sultan welcomed Board members from various Arab countries, praising their dedication to advancing theatre. He highlighted theatre’s role in developing societies, promoting cultural values, and educating audiences through creativity.

In addition to the youth-focused award, Sheikh Dr. Sultan discussed ways to strengthen the skills of theatre professionals. The Arab Theatre Authority will provide workshops, training programs, and events to enhance the capabilities of actors, directors, and other theatre practitioners. The goal is to ensure that Arab theatre continues to flourish with well-trained talent.

Preserving Arab Theatre History

A significant part of Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s vision involves documenting Arab theatrical history and supporting research. To achieve this, he called for the establishment of the Arab Centre for Documentation, Studies, and Research.

This centre will undertake several key tasks:

• Organise research studies on the development of theatre in Arab countries.

• Document historical progress and achievements in Arab theatre.

• Conduct comparative studies between Arab and international theatre practices.

“This initiative will ensure that the rich history of Arab theatre is preserved and accessible for future generations, while also offering insights that can improve contemporary productions,” Sheikh Dr. Sultan emphasized.

Sharjah’s Role in Nurturing Theatre Talent

Sharjah has long been a hub for theatre development in the region. The Sharjah Performing Arts Academy offers specialized undergraduate and postgraduate programs, aimed at equipping young artists with comprehensive skills in acting, direction, and production. Sheikh Dr. Sultan reiterated his commitment to supporting new generations of theatre practitioners through structured training and mentorship.

The Emirate also organizes Sharjah Theatre Days and other festivals, showcasing outstanding performances throughout the year. Sheikh Dr. Sultan announced that a permanent budget has been established to present plays year-round across all Emirates, ensuring that audiences in every region have access to quality theatre.

Reviewing Achievements and Future Plans

The meeting included discussions on previous initiatives by the Arab Theatre Authority, highlighting achievements in school theatre, teacher training, and public engagement. Sheikh Dr. Sultan stressed the importance of sharing expertise across Arab countries and providing performers with the resources needed to overcome challenges.

He also encouraged theatre professionals to raise artistic standards and enhance audience experience by presenting well-curated performances. The Board reviewed detailed reports on past activities and outlined strategic plans for the coming years, including:

• Expanding school theatre participation.

• Increasing youth involvement in creative projects.

• Strengthening professional training and workshops.

These steps aim to cultivate a vibrant theatre culture in the Arab world, supporting both emerging and established artists.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan concluded the meeting by emphasizing theatre’s cultural and educational importance. He called on stakeholders to continue supporting young talent, preserving Arab theatre heritage, and promoting collaboration among Arab countries.

The launch of the Sultan Al Qasimi Award for Youth Theatre Excellence and the planned school theatre festivals represent a major step toward nurturing future generations of Arab theatre practitioners while enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

Arab Theatre Institute, Sharjah theatre initiatives, Arab school theatre festival