His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended, on Friday, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the launch of the ninth edition of the Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival, which runs until 17 December. The opening day featured a theatrical performance written by His Highness, entitled “Al Barraq and Layla Al Afeefa”, staged in the Al Kehaif area of Sharjah.
His Highness praised the performance of the actors, the script, the integration of poetic dialogue, and the advanced techniques employed in the theatrical production. He noted that elements of concept, spectacle, and cinematic presentation had been added to the play, which is distinguished by the diversity of its components.
Upon his arrival at the festival site, which celebrates Arab desert environments and highlights their customs, traditions, and creative heritage through the aesthetics of theatre, His Highness watched performances by the folk troupe and heritage segments. These presentations showcased the performers’ skill and their ability to incorporate cultural heritage into scenes that resonate with the audience and strengthen their connection to cultural traditions.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah attended his newly authored play, “Al Barraq and Layla Al Afeefa”, which brings to life a remarkable story from Arab history preserved in the Arab poetic heritage. The play draws on poems celebrating heroism, chivalry, courage, loyalty, dedication, and love for the land, offering a brilliant inspiration from historical tales captured by Arab poetry. The verses, rich in imagery and eloquence, have remained etched in collective memory across generations.
The theatrical work also relied on employing vivid expressive techniques and filmed performances to enhance the impact of each scene and deepen the audience’s connection to the events. The inclusion of horses and camels added greater realism to the production, translating poetic imagery into tangible scenes that resonate with viewers. These visual elements formed a core support in conveying the artistic and cultural message, reflecting their close ties to the authentic Arab environment and their ability to embody the spirit of chivalry and bravery portrayed in the play.
The production was staged by the Sharjah National Theatre and featured many prominent local and Arab actors, including Ahmed Al Jasmi, Basel Yakhour, Ibrahim Salem, Abdullah Masoud, and Azza Zarour. The play was directed by Mohammed Al Ameri.
This edition is held under the theme “Desert Theatre and the Aesthetics of Arab Folk Narratives” and aims to explore the artistic and technical possibilities offered by Arab folk tales to enrich the desert theatre experience and expand its creative horizons.
Please click here to read His Highness' statement on this occasion.