SHARJAH, 10th May, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Supreme President of the Arab Theatre Authority (ATA) stressed the importance of exerting more efforts from all playwrights and specialists, ensuring the advancement of the Arab theatre in general, as it represents a symbol of preserving identity, language, and the authenticity of society, ensuring to pass it down to new generations.
During the meeting, which was held on Wednesday morning at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, Dr. Sheikh Sultan met with the Secretary-General and members of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Theatre Authority, welcoming the attendees from different Arab countries.
He has highlighted Sharjah’s cultural role in bringing together several intellectuals, Arab creators, playwrights, and those interested in culture, arts and literature, contributing in spreading the spirit of mutual love and cooperation.
During the meeting, Sheikh Sultan discussed the importance of promoting the role of school theatre in all Arab countries, shedding light on its significance in transmitting Arab culture to the new generations. He affirmed that the theatre exists in the Arab heritage, and has a long history in the societies.
Speaking about working on a new project related to the theatre in African countries on the desert strip, especially those countries interested in the Arabic language, culture and Arab heritage, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah emphasised that it reflects the development of theatre there, stressing the importance of providing all forms of care to enhance the theatre in those societies.
Ismail Abdullah, Secretary-General of the Authority reviewed a number of issues that were discussed in recent days during the Authority’s Board of Trustees’ first meeting.
He has further added that the Authority has developed a new vision during which it has adopted a number of new projects that will be initiated quickly.
He affirms that during the coming stage the focus of attention will be on the school theatre in the Arab countries, and the national festivals, along with the Arab Theatre Festival, which the Republic of Iraq will host its next session.
He underscored the Authority’s strategic plan in this regard, in line with the generous grants of Dr. Sheikh Sultan, most prominently the Theatre People Association.
For their part, the attending members of the Board of Trustees expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Ruler of Sharjah, for his unlimited interest and support for theatre and the playwrights in various Arab countries, praising His Highness’ various initiatives that enriched the Arab cultural scene.
The attendees also appreciated the Authority’s ambitious plans and its great work to ensure the development of theatre.
The attendees affirmed their keenness to consider all the values, that His Highness highlighted in his speech, in the Authority's action strategy for the next decade.