Sharjah panel explores directing styles in Emirati theatre

Opening remarks: celebrating a dedicated critic

Magdy Mahfouz introduced Said Ahmed as one of the most dedicated observers of Emirati theatre, known for his consistent presence at festivals and performances. He noted that Said Ahmed’s longstanding involvement in theatrical critique has given him deep insight into the evolution of theatre in the UAE, particularly in the field of directing, which Mahfouz described as the foundation of any successful performance.

Early stages of Emirati theatre directing

Mahfouz outlined that theatrical direction in the UAE began in the 1970s with the founding of clubs and theatre troupes. In its early days, Arab directors and trainers played a key role in developing the local scene by training young Emiratis and guiding them from amateur productions to professional theatre.

Defining a directing style

Mohamed Said Ahmed began his talk by defining a director’s style as a personal, recognisable approach that emerges through experience. He explained that such a style is shaped by a fusion of influences from various directing schools and methodologies. The challenge, he added, lies in synthesising these influences into a cohesive artistic language that balances inspiration with originality.

Pioneers and early contributors

Said Ahmed paid tribute to Arab theatre pioneers who laid the foundation for directing in the UAE, including Saqr Al-Rashoud, Ibrahim Jallal, Yahya Al-Hajj, Youssef Eidabi, Abdelilah Fouad Al-Shatti, Youssef Khalil, Al-Moncef Al-Souissi, and Zaki Tulaimat.

Abdullah Al Mannaei and the 'theatre of image'

He highlighted Abdullah Al Mannaei as a founding figure in Emirati theatre directing, known for his “theatre of image” style. Al Mannaei prioritised non-verbal storytelling through gesture, movement, and visual composition. His legacy paved the way for his students and younger directors to explore new artistic directions.

Three leading Emirati directors

Mohammed Al Ameri: visual imagination and collaborative writing

Said Ahmed described Mohammed Al Ameri’s directing style as visually driven, where the director imagines scenes as individual images and then weaves them together through the story. Al Ameri places strong emphasis on scenography, group dynamics, and actor performance. He often develops scripts through a workshop approach, working closely with playwrights to shape both the text and the visual concept before staging.

Naji Al Hai: human-centred and minimalist direction

Naji Al Hai, a distinguished playwright and director, is known for his emotionally resonant, socially rooted works such as A Grain of Sand, Zacharia My Love, and Bab Al Baraha. His minimalist aesthetic focuses on the actor as the central element, supported by simple sets and costumes. Despite the local themes, his work carries a broader humanist message. He was the first Emirati director to present plays in Europe, including in France and Spain.

Hassan Rajab: academic discipline and visual appeal

The third director profiled was Hassan Rajab, whose academic training at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait influenced his structured and visually rich directing style. His productions, such as Red Dust, Father for Sale or Rent, and Ashoofak, show a blend of directorial schools, a controlled rhythm, and a strong sense of visual design. Rajab often employs innovative staging devices and integrates humour drawn from the Emirati dialect.

Experimentation and innovation in stagecraft

Said Ahmed praised Rajab’s inventive techniques, such as using spotlights to signal scenes before they begin, or seating an actor on a fixed chair to represent theatre within theatre. In Hamiha Haramiha, he placed actors in symbolic wooden boxes representing social hierarchy, illustrating his creative approach to stage composition.

Closing reflections and tributes

Mohammed Al Ameri concluded the session with a heartfelt message of thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support of theatre and the arts. He also confirmed many of the observations made by Said Ahmed about his own directing approach—particularly his focus on image, scenography, and integration of digital and natural elements.

Al Ameri paid tribute to the Arab directors who helped lay the foundations for theatre in the UAE, including Al-Moncef Al-Souissi, Saqr Al-Rashoud, Fouad Al-Shatti, Yahya Al-Hajj, Ahmed Abdel Halim, and Qasim Mohammed, acknowledging their lasting influence on the local scene.