Muscat: The ninth school theatre festival 'Culture and Empowerment' organized by the Ministry of Education, through the Centre for Vocational Guidance and Student Counselling, concluded its activities on Thursday. The play "Wadi Al-Warda" from Al-Wusta Governorate was awarded the third best theatrical performance, while the play "Wadi Al-Hikayat" from North Al-Batinah Governorate received the second-best theatrical performance award. The first place in the theatrical performance category was secured by the play "Baleegh" from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
The festival featured seven theatrical performances from various governorates including Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, North Al Batinah, Al Wusta, South Al Batinah, Dhofar, and South Al Sharqiyah. The performances spanned over five days and were attended by esteemed theatre artists and specialists from both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
The closing ceremony, held under the patronage of Basil bin Ahmed Al-Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Sports, was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, as well as advisors, Directors-General, theatre artists, critics, and students.
The ceremony commenced with a rendition of the Royal Anthem, followed by Fahd bin Juma Al Balushi, the supervisor of school activities and member of the festival's jury, presenting the committee's recommendations. These recommendations included the inclusion of group playing competitions, Omani folk arts, and student chanting in future editions of the festival.
Furthermore, the committee proposed the live broadcast of the festival through official channels and radio stations in the Sultanate of Oman to generate interest and foster a culture of competition among students. The festival serves as a platform for students to discover their abilities, gain self-confidence, acquire valuable experiences for personal development, learn from the experiences of others, and elevate the cultural landscape of the Sultanate of Oman.
Jassim Al Battashi, a well-known figure in the world of theater, television, and radio, and also a member of the festival's jury, presented the recommendations put forth by the theater competition committee.
The recommendations highlighted the importance of aligning the texts submitted for the school theater festival with the educational goals and requirements. It was emphasized that these texts should cater to the cognitive and sensory development of the students.
Furthermore, the supervisors at the festival were urged to focus on enhancing the actors' performances and nurturing their emotional intelligence. They were also encouraged to provide training to improve their theatrical skills and presentation.
The committee emphasized the significance of organizing training seminars to inspire creativity and to practice various artistic techniques in theatrical presentation. Additionally, it was deemed essential to nurture talent and provide opportunities for gaining more experience. Attention to technical aspects of the theatrical show, such as sound effects and functional décor, was also stressed.
Following this, a video clip showcasing snapshots of the festival's theatrical performances was shown, and the results of the solo play competition and other theater competitions were announced.
Qutaiba bin Azzan Al-Saadi, from Muscat Governorate, was awarded a certificate of proficiency in acting for his role in the play "Bint Al-Sayyad". Shatha bint Saad Al-Hakamani, from Al-Wusta Governorate, also received a certificate for her role in the play "Wadi Al-Warda". Abdullah Al-Owaisi, from South Al Batinah Governorate, was recognized for his performance in the play "Al-Falaj". Ola bint Ali Al Owaisi, from Muscat Governorate, and Elias Al Hamdani, from South Al Batinah Governorate, were also awarded certificates for their roles in the plays "Bint Al Sayyad" and "Al Falaj" respectively. Asayel bint Abdullah Al Salumi, from Dhofar Governorate, was acknowledged for her role in the play "The Fires of Memory". Additionally, Samir Rajab was recognized for her active participation in the same play from Dhofar Governorate.
The play "Valley of the Rose" from Al Wusta Governorate received the award for best theatrical make-up. Asma Al-Bariki, the designer for the play "Wadi Al-Hikayat" in North Al Batinah Governorate, was honored for her exceptional work in creating the best theatrical costumes. The play "Bint Al Sayyad" from Muscat Governorate was awarded for its outstanding music and sound effects.
Asaad bin Salem Al-Siyabi, from Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate, was presented with the award for the best theatrical lighting for the play "Baleegh". The play "Baleegh" from the same governorate also received recognition for its exceptional theatrical decoration and scenery.
Mehr bint Mahfouz Al-Hakamani, from Al Wusta Governorate, was awarded the best actress in a secondary role for her remarkable performance in the play "Wadi Al-Warda". Othman bin Adnan Al-Saeedi, from Muscat Governorate, received the best actor award in a secondary role for his outstanding performance in the play "Bint Al Sayyad".
Balqis bint Hussain Al-Subhi was awarded the best actress for her exceptional performance in the play “Bint Al Sayyad” from Muscat Governorate, while Ali bin Rashid Al-Alawi received the best actor award for his outstanding portrayal in the play “The Consequence of Greed” from South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
Yousef Al Zaabi was honored with the Special Jury Award for Distinguished Acting Performance for his role in the play “Wadi Al-Hikayat” from North Al Batinah Governorate. The best theatrical script award was given to the dialogues of the play “Baleegh” by Asaad bin Salem Al Siyabi from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and the best theatrical direction award was presented to director Rashid Al-Bariki from North Al Batinah Governorate for the play “Wadi Al-Hikayat”.
Basil bin Ahmed Al-Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, expressed his gratitude during the closing ceremony of the ninth edition of the school theatre festival, acknowledging the Ministry of Education for nurturing the talents of students in various theatrical arts. He also extended his appreciation to all educational directorates, teachers, and supervisors for their dedication in developing the students’ skills. Al-Rawas highlighted the festival's significance in promoting the talents of Omani children and congratulated all the winners, while expressing hope for the continuity of such events to further enhance the abilities of the youth.
Saif bin Sulaiman Al-Jalandani, the Director-General of the Directorate-General of Education in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, expressed his congratulations to the students for their remarkable achievement in securing the top position in the highly competitive integrated theatrical performance category of the play Baleegh.
In his statement, he emphasized the significance of this victory, highlighting the collaborative efforts and seamless coordination among the talented students, directors, and supervisors. He acknowledged that the success achieved is a direct result of the unwavering dedication and commitment displayed by all those involved. Furthermore, he emphasized the pivotal role played by the educators, school administrations, and supervisors in nurturing and supporting the students' talents.
Saif bin Sulaiman Al-Jalandani extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed and exerted their utmost efforts, emphasizing that this victory is a collective achievement. He also expressed his appreciation to the parents for their continuous cooperation and solidarity throughout this journey.
This triumph is a testament to the remarkable capabilities and potential of the students, and it serves as a motivation for further excellence and success in the future.
