His Highness’s words came while addressing, Sunday morning, a graduation ceremony of the first batch of students from the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, which was held at the Academy’s Theatre.
"These numbers of graduates may dissolve in societies that do not value theatre, or may not have theatres. Considering this, we establish the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Alumni Association, which will be based in Sharjah, and every graduate of this academy can consider it as his or her home, and we will give all care to them, and we hope that they will always be with us, sharing our joys and sorrows, and we will be of help to them at all times. We hope their graduation is the beginning of setting their feet on a path filled with warmth that receives them at any time,” His Highness said.
Noting the continuous increase in the number of students affiliated with the academy, His Highness said: “ At the opening of the Academy, 16 male and female students had been accepted, and I said we would start with this number because “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”, and indeed, we started, and that beginning was the fruit of today’s graduates. Next year, the number of graduates will be greater to reach 250 male and female graduates, and year after year, the numbers will increase more and more.”
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah talked about the beginnings of the idea and work of establishing the academy, and the efforts and keenness of His Highness to set a clear vision and message for it, which brought about this success and excellence, praising the efforts of the academy director who managed the academy with love and belief in the important message of arts and theatre.
Pointing to the College of Music, His Highness said it would soon join the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, wishing to see the college graduates with their colleagues from other disciplines.
During his speech, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah extended his thanks and appreciation to the parents of the graduates, saying: “I would like to thank the fathers and mothers of the graduates who have entrusted their children to our care, and for me personally, they are like my sons and daughters, and our relationship with them continued for four continuous years, during which we kept asking about them and about their performance, their studies, their health, and their travels, and here we are today reaping the fruit.”
His Highness, the President of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, also congratulated the graduates, wishing them success and a safe return to their homelands. His Highness also extended his thanks and appreciation to the teaching staff of the Academy, who toiled for four continuous years training and equipping the students with the necessary qualification and tools, which was evident during the directing, performance and acting of the Nimrod play, which highlighted their activity, knowledge and performance style.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah concluded his speech by directing the authorities concerned with theatre and the arts in the Emirate of Sharjah to attract and support graduates through involving them in the various theatrical celebrations and festivals the emirate organises.
Professor Peter Pirlo, Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, delivered a speech in which he praised the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, to establish a unique theatrical, educational and practical experience in the region through the academy, and the unlimited support of His Highness for its establishment and follow-up of all its affairs until the graduation of the first batch, pointing to His Highness's encouraging words, quoting His Highness’s words "The promotion of the Third World theatre is not only through seminars and introductory pamphlets, but rather through practical steps."
The Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, Professor Peter Barlow, gave a speech in which he lauded the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to establish a unique theatrical, educational, and practical experience in the region through the Academy, as well as His Highness's unrelenting support since the Academy's inception through the graduation of its first batch.
He referenced His Highness's statements, which were both inspiring and resolute in their mission to alter audiences' expectations of theatre. One of the world's greatest playwrights and a passionate advocate for the art form, His Highness once observed, "The upgrading of the Third World theatre is not only through seminars and introductory pamphlets, but rather through genuine steps."
The Executive Director said, "Our tenure at the Academy was not without its share of professional and personal challenges, but here we are today, celebrating the graduation of the first batch of students at the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.”
"Since its foundation, the Academy has made it a priority to staff itself with the most competent technical, practical, instructional, and administrative experts from across the world. We appreciate the contributions of all teachers and staff, both present and departed, who have made this possible. Our students deserve our gratitude as well. We would not be here without their support."
The Executive Director of the Academy urged the students of 2023, both male and female, to carry the vision and values of the academy with pride and to embark on their new lives with an eye towards the future."
At the end of his talk, Professor Peter Barlow emphasised the value of hard work, commitment, and perseverance.
Some of the graduates gave a speech on their classmates' behalf, expressing their delight at having completed the academy with the watchful eye and attentive care of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, an avid theatregoer and longtime supporter of the performing arts. They finished their speech by thanking the academy's administration and all the teaching and administrative bodies for their great efforts during the years of study and by expressing their gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for providing Arab youth with the opportunity to study theatre and develop their talents through this unique academy.
The artist Mohammed Al-Mazem then gave a speech, opening with some words of poetry he had written especially for His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, in which he wished the ruler a long and healthy life and thanked him for everything that he has done for the people of Sharjah.
Then, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah handed over the graduates their academic certificates, taking memorial photos with them, congratulating them on their success and wishing them success in their practical lives.
During the ceremony, the graduates performed a song dedicated to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, expressing their thanks for all forms of support and care provided by His Highness.
His Highness had earlier signed 13 male and female graduates’ certificates before the start of the ceremony.
Attending the graduation ceremony alongside His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah were Khamis bin Salem Al Suwaidi, Advisor at the Office of His Highness the Ruler; Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Dr. Mansour Mohammed bin Nassar, Head of Sharjah Government Legal Department; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; several members of the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, faculty members and parents of graduates.
For an optimal experience, please
