Sharjah24: The 31st Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre (CIFET) featured a notable presence of Emirati theatre, with two prominent figures from the UAE being honoured and two successful Emirati performances.
The festival recognised Emirati playwright Ismail Abdullah as "Theatrical Personality of the Year" for 2024, in appreciation of his significant contributions to the development of Arab theatre. Abdullah has served as the Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Authority since its founding in 2007 and has led the UAE Theatre Association as its Chairman.
Ismail Abdullah received special recognition during the opening ceremony, which was marked by an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for this influential figure in Arab theatre.
Additionally, the festival honoured Emirati poet and writer Mohamed Said Al-Dhanhani, who played a crucial role in establishing the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival. The award was accepted on his behalf by Abdullah Mohamed Al-Dhanhani, Chairman of the Dibba Cultural and Arts Association.
The festival also showcased two Emirati theatrical productions: "Ibra" by Hamad Al-Dhanhani, directed by Ibrahim Al-Qahoumi, and "Zaghrouda" by Ali Jamal, directed by Abdulrahman Al-Mulla. These performances were well-received by both audiences and critics. "Zaghrouda" competed in the official selection, while "Ibra" was presented as part of the hosted performances.
In support of young talents, the UAE Theatre Association sent seven young Emirati theatre practitioners, winners of the 2023 competitions, to attend the participating performances at CIFET. This reflects the association’s commitment to developing the skills of the new generation of theatre professionals.
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