The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has initiated the countdown for the 15th edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, set to occur from 21 to 28 October. This festival aims to enhance the prominence of Emirati theatre, a vital component of the creative economy, by shining a light on local talent in the global cultural arena. Young artists are invited to showcase their distinctive works that echo the aspirations and values of the community.
Taking place at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar, this year’s festival will present seven performances inspired by real-life narratives, featuring various national theatre groups. The opening show, ‘Yurja ‘Adam Al Ittisal’ (‘Please Do Not Call’), written by Mohammed Saleh Al-Sidi and directed by Abdullah Al Hammadi, will be performed by the Al Ain Theatre Group, competing for the festival’s prestigious awards.
The festival promises an engaging lineup of performances and discussions for theatre aficionados. On the second day, attendees will enjoy ‘Sarkhat Amal’ (‘Cry of Hope’), authored by Abdullah Youssef and directed by Ahlam Adel, presented by the Abu Dhabi Arts Society. The third day will feature ‘Uzlah’ (‘Isolation’), penned by Hamad Abdullah Mohammed Al Dhanhani and directed by Ibrahim Mohammed Al Qahoumi, performed by the Dibba Society for Culture Arts and Theatre. On the fourth day, audiences can look forward to ‘Hal Arak’ (‘Do I See You?’) with a script by Ahmed Hassan Abdullah Al Majid and direction by Samir Mohammed Al Balushi, performed by the Khorfakkan Arts Theatre. The fifth day will showcase ‘Illah Bila Dawa’ (‘A Sickness Without a Cure’), written and directed by Zainab Al Mulla, performed by Rubu’ Qarn for Theatre and Performing Arts. The Dubai National Theatre group will present ‘Jiran Al Qamar’ (‘Neighbours of the Moon’), a play created and directed by Abdullah Khalid Al Muhairi. The festival will culminate with ‘Sinariist’ (‘Screenwriter’), performed by the Al Ahli Dubai Theatre, written by Samer Mohammed Ismail and directed by Radwan Ali Al Nouri, followed by an awards ceremony.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of Performing Arts at Dubai Culture, highlighted the festival’s role in revitalizing the Emirati theatre scene with new talent that enriches Dubai’s artistic landscape. She stated, “This year marks the 15th anniversary of the festival, which has transformed into an annual gathering for many emerging and established theatrical talents to engage in dialogue with one another on artistic experiences and insights. Over the years, the festival has successfully made a qualitative leap in the performing arts, enhancing the stature of theatre in Dubai and the UAE, while discovering countless talented creatives and developing their skills. The Authority aims to create an artistic and creative environment capable of nurturing young talent, and encouraging them to refine their skills and pursue their passion for the arts. This aligns with Dubai Culture’s responsibilities and sectoral priorities to establish Dubai as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.”
Al Jallaf also explained that the selection process for the performances adhered to a comprehensive set of aesthetic, intellectual, and ethical criteria defined by the festival’s organizing committee, chaired by Marai AlHalyan, with members Abdullah Masoud and Ali Jamal. The committee ensured that the performances exhibited cohesion in form and interconnection in terms of concept, execution, direction, and teamwork, while showcasing originality and addressing community and youth issues through innovative direction and scenography.
During the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a series of practical seminars led by a distinguished group of researchers, artists, and theatre practitioners. These sessions will provide critical analyses of the works presented and their methodologies, as well as evaluate the stage performances.