Dr. Ahmed Heno receives ATI delegation ahead of Arab Theatre Fest

Joining them for the meeting were key figures from both the Arab Theatre Institute and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, including Ghannam Ghannam, who is in charge of training and school theatre at the institute, and Khaled Galal, the head of the Cultural Production and Theatre sectors in Egypt. They discussed plans to make this festival a significant cultural event, highlighting the importance of showcasing theatre across the country. 

During the meeting, Abdullah conveyed warm greetings from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, a prominent leader and supporter of the arts. He stressed the importance of creating a memorable festival that reflects Egypt's rich heritage and the vital role that theatre plays in the Arab world. 

Key topics of conversation included where the performances and discussions would take place, and ideas were shared about bringing some festival events to different regions in Egypt to engage more people in the arts. Dr. Heno emphasized the importance of promoting youth involvement in theatre. 

Another interesting proposal was to hold a scientific conference during the festival. This conference would bring together academics and researchers to discuss Arab theatre through research papers, enriching the festival's focus on the intellectual side of theatre and helping to document its evolution. 

Dr. Heno assured that the Ministry of Culture will provide all necessary support to ensure the festival's success. He expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity to strengthen cultural ties among Arab nations and to promote theatre as a powerful tool for education and awareness. 

The Secretary-General also shared ideas for including more Egyptian performances in the festival to give attendees a fuller view of the country's theatrical landscape. Additionally, they plan to host the fifth Arab Puppet Arts Forum alongside the festival, further expanding its reach and impact. 

Overall, the meeting was seen as a hopeful sign of collaboration and creativity as they prepare for the festival. Abdullah remarked that the partnership with Egypt, a country known for its artistic contributions, marks a new beginning for the festival, one that promises to involve a wide range of participants from across the Arab world, ultimately enriching the theatre community and its service to society.