The issue includes statements from several Jordanian artists who praised the efforts and initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This comes in light of preparations to host the 17th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival in Amman, organised by the Arab Theatre Authority in the first half of each year.

Arab theatre voices and the Sharjah festival scene

In the editorial section, the magazine highlights a survey on the Sharjah School Theatre Festival, established in 2011. It includes testimonies from Emirati artists who discuss how the festival has developed over the years to become a vital part of both the artistic and educational landscape.

Reviews and critical readings

The “Readings” section presents critical analyses of recent Arab theatre productions. Khaled Raslan writes about Her Qaramousha, the latest work by Emirati director Mohammed Al Ameri, which won several awards in the previous edition of the Sharjah Theatre Days, including Best Production.

Basim Sadiq reviews the play Metwally and Shafika by Egyptian director Amir Al Yemani. Al Hussam Mohiuddin writes about The Widows by Lebanese director Ruba Al Hidri, while Jamal Ayad examines The Maids by Jordanian director Hakim Harb. Yousri Hassan discusses Optional Prison by Egyptian director Basem Karam.

Perspectives and interviews

In the “Visions” section, Husni Milyat translates the essay The Origin of Theatre by the late Spanish philosopher María Zambrano, while Fadel Youssef writes about the theatrical experience of Moroccan playwright Mohammed Behjaaji.

The “Interview” section features an extensive conversation by Kamal Al Shehawi with veteran Tunisian writer Ezzedine Madani, reflecting on his beginnings and his ideas about writing and directing in past and present theatre.

Travel and studies in theatre

In “Journeys”, Dalia Hammad writes about her trip to the Canal Region and Sinai, documenting developments in the theatre scene in Port Said, Ismailia and Sharm El Sheikh.

The “Horizons” section presents a survey on the presence of Tunisian women in contemporary playwriting. In “Readings”, Samer Mohammed Ismail reviews a new book by Hanan Kassab Hassan on the experience of Syrian-French artist Shérif Khaznadar.

Follow-ups and reports

The “Follow-ups” section includes an interview with Emirati director Mohammed Saeed Al Sultani about his play Shaheed Al Teen, and another with Egyptian director Essam El Sayed on the occasion of his book They Asked Me About Theatre. It also covers the 11th Local Theatre Forum held in Sharjah in May.

Letters section

The issue concludes with “Letters”, which features several reports on theatre activities in various Arab and international contexts.