His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, presided over the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Theatre Authority yesterday at the authority’s headquarters in Al Hira, Sharjah.
At the start of the meeting, His Highness welcomed the attendees from various Arab nations, commending the council’s efforts to enhance and advance the artistic movement and to promote the theater’s significant roles in societal progress and awareness.
His Highness directed the establishment of the “Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi Prize for Theatrical Excellence for Youth,” a pan-Arab award recognizing the creativity and contributions of young individuals in the development of Arab theater.
He also instructed the Arab Theatre Authority to prioritize school theater initiatives in Arab countries and to launch national theater festivals in schools, as well as organize the Arab School Theater Festival, which would encourage extensive Arab interaction in the educational and cultural movement of school theater, vital for cultivating an informed audience about the educational and social roles of theater.
Moreover, the Ruler of Sharjah emphasized the importance of documenting Arab theater history and supporting researchers in various theatrical fields by establishing the Arab Center for Documentation, Studies, and Research. This center aims to organize and diversify research on Arab theater and document the historical journey of theaters across Arab nations, while expanding comparative studies of the Arab theatrical experience within its human context.
His Highness pointed out the necessity of advancing the theatrical movement across the Arab world, reaffirming his ongoing support in various domains, including the academic training of new and young talents in all artistic and technical disciplines. The Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts offers specialized undergraduate and graduate studies, reinforcing the strategy for developing and honing the talents essential for the theater and its community.
Additionally, His Highness noted that Sharjah will continue to foster theatrical activities through its diverse theater festivals and the acclaimed Sharjah Theater Days. He mentioned a permanent additional budget allocated for showcasing the plays throughout the year in all emirates to reach audiences everywhere.
During the discussion, the Ruler of Sharjah engaged with theater professionals regarding the state of Arab theater and its individuals, highlighting the importance of leveraging shared Arab experiences and providing the best support for theatrical productions that enhance audience appreciation.