Muscat: Today, HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, inaugurated the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The festival, which will continue until January 15, 2025, is being hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth collaborating with the Arab Theatre Authority and the Oman Theatre Society.
Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture and Chairman of the Main Committee for the festival, remarked that the Arab Theatre Authority has significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of the Arab world through various events held across member countries for over 15 years.
He emphasized that these events aim to bolster theatrical activities and support theatre professionals in member states, highlighting the pivotal role of theatre in the cultural ecosystem as a powerful medium of human expression.
During the opening ceremony, Palestinian artist and theatre director Fat’hi Abdul-Rahman presented the message for "Arab Theatre Day," celebrated annually on January 10.
The event featured a musical performance by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Women's Band and a screening of the "Festival Film," which showcased the participating troupes and performances for this year's festival.
Additionally, several organizations were recognized for their significant contributions to the establishment and growth of theatre in Oman, including Al Saidi Schools, club theatres, the Youth Theatre, Al Sahwa National Theatre Troupe, and the Oman Theatre Society. Palestinian artist and theatre director Fat’hi Abdul-Rahman was also honored during the ceremony.
The festival showcases 15 remarkable theatrical performances from both Oman and international artists. These performances will take place across three venues: Al Bustan Palace, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (Al Irfan), and the College of Banking Studies.
This event serves as a platform for a distinguished assembly of prominent Arab artists, theatre experts, writers, and directors, who will explore strategies to enhance the role of theatre in promoting culture and innovation within the Arab region.
Approximately 500 Arab artists will participate in the presentation of the 15 theatrical performances and related activities.
Additionally, the festival features an exhibition of Omani handicrafts, an art exhibition, and 28 press conferences, along with an academic workshop focused on various aspects of theatre, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation.
