Kalba Short Plays Festival continues its 12th edition

Honouring festival personality: Abdul Hamid Al Baloushi

The second day began with an open dialogue with the “Festival Personality,” actor Abdul Hamid Al Baloushi, moderated by actor Ali Al Shaloubi, in the presence of Ahmed Bourhima, Director of the Theatre Department and Festival Director, along with numerous Arab and local theatre figures.

Al Shaloubi praised the festival’s commitment to honoring artists from the Eastern Region and highlighted the role of the Department of Culture in enriching theatre. He celebrated Al Baloushi’s long artistic journey, affirming that his decades of commitment and outstanding performances made him truly deserving of recognition.

Al Baloushi’s early passion for theatre

Al Shaloubi recalled that Al Baloushi was drawn to theatre as a child in the late 1970s, frequently attending plays during national celebrations despite being shy and reserved. By 1988, Al Baloushi became a lead actor in “The Birds Build Their Nests” and later played a key role in “A Stranger in the Village” (1994), which marked the start of his reputation as one of the most sought-after actors in the UAE.

For his part, Al Baloushi spoke about the impact of his school environment on his passion for theatre and how he initially turned to school radio before pursuing acting. He acknowledged the mentorship of directors such as Dafallah Al Bashir and Hakeem Jassim, describing theatre as his “second home” and expressing greater passion for acting than any other theatrical role.

Evening performances: Three diverse plays

The evening featured three plays. The first, “You Are Not a Neighbor” by Aziz Nesin and directed by Hamid Mohammed Abdullah, received praise in the post-performance seminar, where Tunisian actor Marwan Al-Salaawi commended its simplicity, strong cast of three actors, and impactful staging.

The second play, “Cat in the Rain” by Ernest Hemingway and directed by George Kabi Afisa, depicted a fragile marital relationship during a holiday. Egyptian actor Bassem Shaaban highlighted the use of the wife’s inner voice and movement to express feelings of confusion and loss.

The third play, “Misunderstanding” adapted from “The Virtuous Burglar” by Dario Fo and directed by Hiba Deeb, adopted a comedic style that resonated strongly with the audience. Tunisian actress Nariman Al-Hershani praised the lively rhythm and humor of the performance.

Upcoming session: Sharjah Theatre Research Forum

The festival continues with the 11th Sharjah Theatre Research Forum, set to take place at 10 a.m. today, featuring five researchers from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Iraq.