The national concern is clearly evident in the various works of His Highness Sultan Al Qasimi, a true patron of the arts. As a passionate advocate for theater, His Highness has shouldered the responsibility of addressing the concerns of this art form. He has made a solemn commitment to carry this responsibility indefinitely, acknowledging that he is not infallible and may require guidance. His Highness seeks the support of others to strengthen his resolve and promises that his love for the theater will forever be etched in his legacy. These heartfelt words spoken by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underscore his profound affection for theater. He recognizes theater as a vital medium that transcends borders and speaks to people from all walks of life, disseminating messages of awareness, beauty, and creativity. With unwavering dedication, His Highness has become a beacon for the advancement and promotion of this exceptional art form.
A Journey into the Vast Realm of Literary Mastery: His Highness, The Ruler of Sharjah, Illumines Multiple Creative Spheres.
Within the creative realms of novelistic prose, historical chronicles, biographical narratives, and most notably, the enchanting domain of theater, His Highness Sultan Al Qasimi, a true visionary, has embarked upon an extraordinary odyssey. These artistic pursuits, meticulously interwoven, converge to form a cohesive and profound tapestry wherein history takes center stage, simultaneously resonating with the ever-unfolding realities of our existence. For delving into the depths of history is an act of illuminating and interpreting the present, and in this regard, the contributions of His Highness extend far beyond the realm of playwriting alone. Embracing the local theater scene with unwavering dedication, His Highness has fostered a profound synergy that transcends geographic boundaries and resonates within the local and Arab theatrical landscape.
Perchance, the Ruler of Sharjah's inclination towards the realm of theater stems from an astute recognition of its prodigious essence, rightfully hailed as the "patriarch of the arts." Within this sublime realm, myriad forms and manifestations of creative expression converge harmoniously, surpassing them all in its intrinsic ability to captivate and engage audiences, bereft of any barriers or hindrances. It is through this unique artistic medium that education, enlightenment, and the dissemination of intellectual discourse find an unparalleled platform.
Theatre, throughout the ages, has been revered as an instrument of profound significance, mobilizing nations and peoples, fostering a collective spirit that propels the prosperity and advancement of nations. It stands as an exquisite showcase for the epitome of literary craftsmanship, unveiling the heights to which human imagination and intellect can ascend.
A Renaissance Ignited: The Flourishing Theatrical Movement in the Emirates
The resplendent growth of the theatrical landscape within the Emirates owes its success to an ardent revival and deep-rooted passion. This profound ardor, emanating from the ruler of Sharjah himself, has propelled the Emirate to become a radiant beacon in the realm of theater, surpassing all expectations. His Highness's unwavering commitment to the art form arises from an inherent sense of responsibility towards the homeland and the nation, as well as a fervent desire to cultivate awareness among the public and future generations. This unwavering dedication finds its embodiment in the grandiose festivals that have come to define the cultural tapestry of the Arab world. Festivals such as the illustrious Sharjah Theater Days Festival, the captivating Gulf Theatre, the enthralling Kalbaa for short plays, and the dynamic dual theater have solidified Sharjah's status as a cultural epicenter. Continual innovation has led to the birth of groundbreaking initiatives like the desert theater, which transcends the confines of conventional settings and embraces the essence of the Arab environment. Not content with nurturing the theatrical landscape solely within its own borders, Sharjah has extended its support and assistance to numerous Arab nations, enabling them to renew and establish the infrastructure required for a thriving theater scene. His Highness's unyielding commitment to this cause encompasses the unwavering support of creators, ensuring that the wellspring of creativity from Arab playwrights flows unabated, allowing their boundless contributions to persist.
Bearer of the Theatrical Mantle:
The esteemed designation of "Man of the Theater" has befittingly adorned the illustrious persona of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, owing to his monumental endeavours in bolstering theatrical creativity throughout the Arab world. Moreover, it is the distinguished texts penned by His Highness that stand as testament to his multifaceted visions, ideas, perspectives, and messages. Each theatrical opus crafted by His Highness embarks on a profound expedition into history, beckoning scrutiny, and evoking an array of inquiries. It is through this transformative process that a relationship, marked by equality and distinction, is forged with the Other – the Western culture and civilization. The act of engaging in dialogue with Western culture necessitates a retrospective contemplation of history, denouncing certain practices, and subsequently turning over a new leaf. This endeavor is founded upon principles of tolerance and openness. As His Highness embarks upon this journey through history, he acquaints himself with the noble Arab values and lofty morals, exemplified through acts of courage, audacity, generosity, and other virtues that resonate as a beacon for future generations.
In an alternate universe, the theater envisioned by His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, serves as a resounding call for a new world. Within this realm, the virtues of beauty, love, goodness, and tolerance reign supreme, offering an alternative to the prevalent turmoil, conflicts, and divisive factions that besmirch the fabric of reality and history. This grand message, emanating from the theatrical texts, extends beyond reaching out to the Other; it resonates within the depths of the self. For the transformation of Arab societies, the imperative of change looms large, drawing from the rich tapestry of history, which holds within its annals the myriad Arab and Islamic perspectives, values, and morals. This transformative journey prompts a confrontation not aimed at exclusion, but rather at dialogue—an essential process that demands equal attention to one's own history and the mistakes made throughout the ages. It necessitates embracing the act of apology and embarking on new chapters, unfettered by the concepts that once prevailed. It is through such endeavors that the position of "Abu al-Funun," the harbinger of the arts, ascends to that of an authentic partner, co-creating a new reality where peace triumphs, cultures converge, and peoples engage in dialogue rather than descending into closed-mindedness and conflict. This resolute stance carries a clear and resplendent sign, attesting to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah's unwavering commitment to human issues, as he aptly stated, "The theater presents and reflects human issues, in all their manifestations.
A Rich Dialogue with History: His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah's Theatrical Philosophy
The theatrical texts crafted by His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, have engendered a fertile ground for extensive studies and writings by scholars and critics, delving deep into these diverse and bountiful realms to extract interpretations that capture the essence of His Highness's profound interest. In these texts, His Highness establishes a profound connection between theater, beauty, and life. According to His Highness, when humanity fails to recognize the value of beauty in life, it descends into futile wars and chaos. For complete beauty, as he perceives it, resides not solely within an individual art form, but rather finds its culmination in the theater—an artistic vessel that amalgamates all the facets of beauty. His Highness asserts that one who fails to appreciate beauty remains oblivious to the true value of life itself. The theater, in His Highness's eyes, embodies life, and thus he believes that renouncing all senseless wars is the path we must tread.
Within his profound theatrical philosophy, His Highness recognizes the intrinsic value of dialogue. For him, the theater serves as the true laboratory for human interaction, solidifying the importance of dialogue as an essential human need, vital for fostering coexistence. Thus, the relationship between dialogue in the theater and dialogue in life becomes dialectical: the more distance there is between people, the greater the differences and conflicts become, leading to clashes of visions and shattered dreams.
Moreover, the critic Dr. Haitham Al-Khawaja sheds light on the theatrical works of His Highness, emphasizing their connection to the values and ideas that His Highness holds dear. His Highness's disdain for injustice, arrogance, corruption, and self-aggrandizement is palpable within his theatrical oeuvre. This manifests prominently in his nationalistic inclination, as the sense of national devotion permeates all his works. His Highness consistently emphasizes the imperative of preserving and safeguarding the country, viewing it as a religious duty. He also addresses various issues, both immediate and far-reaching, in a direct or indirect manner. In his book, "The Historical Moment in Sultan Al Qasimi's Theatre," the writer highlights the astute investment that His Highness has made in history, recognizing it as an inexhaustible reservoir of profound meanings and connotations. His Highness's astuteness in raising thought-provoking questions and conveying messages has resulted in an archive of intellectual and aesthetic value, enriching the literary and cognitive landscape. Through his theatrical narratives, His Highness constructs architectural wonders, places, and stories, harnessing the power of history to perpetuate thought and beauty.
Inverting the equations:
His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, has garnered the attention of numerous critics, writers, and thinkers who have delved into his works, offering insightful analyses. The historical plays and novels crafted by His Highness have served as a wellspring of inspiration for many Emirati novelists and playwrights. Today, historical fiction holds a significant position, and what sets His Highness's works apart is their reliance on meticulously researched historical references, documents, and manuscripts. Consequently, these plays and narrative works elevate the standards of research and investigation. Through these publications, His Highness endeavors to dismantle prevailing stereotypes, fallacies, and falsehoods that have dominated various spheres—political, intellectual, literary, and cultural. Many of these works challenge these fixed and rigid equations, presenting the unadulterated truth and contributing to the processes of enlightenment and genuine awareness.
His Highness's theatrical works
Embarking on a journey through His Highness's theatrical works is an intellectually stimulating experience, as it combines pleasure with knowledge, prompting introspection and contemplation. These plays, in their entirety, offer diverse perspectives and present historical facts that diverge significantly from conventional literature and historical accounts. His Highness adheres to standards of accuracy and a commitment to truth, which readers will readily discern throughout their exploration.
"The Return of Hulagu" stands as His Highness's first published work, dating back to 1998. It was subsequently performed by the Sharjah National Theater in 1999. Notably, the introductory remarks written by His Highness in the play's text are captivating. He states, "From my study of Arab history, I discovered striking similarities between the events leading to the downfall of the Abbasid state and the current state of affairs in the Arab world. It is as though history repeats itself. Thus, this play was written as a historical reflection on a painful reality." Consequently, the work retrospectively examines past events to interpret and comprehend contemporary reality. His Highness guides the reader through the events preceding the fall of Baghdad and delves into the intricate dynamics of the Abbasid caliphate. The play highlights the consequences of a floundering political landscape, the proliferation of opportunists and traitors who seized control of the state's mechanisms, and the marginalization of honest individuals dedicated to the caliphate. Ultimately, it sheds light on the role played by true resistance against the brutal invader, Hulagu, the Mongol leader, in the year 1258 AH.
This play garnered immense interest not only within the Arab world but also globally, capturing the attention of readers and academics. The Romanian magazine "Bucharest Metropolitan Library" published a critical study on the play after it was translated into Romanian and staged in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, in September 2011. Critic Marcela Jania, an assistant professor at Artifex University in Bucharest, observed that His Highness employs the fall of Baghdad in 1258 at the hands of Hulagu's armies, the grandson of Genghis Khan, to draw attention to the current perils facing Arab culture, including cultural invasion and other factors that could undermine genuine Arab values. Through this work, His Highness sounds an alarm and advocates for the protection of purebred principles and values.
The play "The Case"
Published in 2000, this play was stands as one of His Highness's significant works, delving deep into historical events to address contemporary issues facing the nation. Inspired by Arab and Islamic history, His Highness explores the parallels between past and present events, issuing a resounding call for an Arab-Islamic awakening that is both necessary and timely. Within this play, His Highness examines a crucial historical period, bridging it with the present. It immerses the audience in a rich tapestry of historical figures and events, spanning multiple years across three chapters.
Through its exploration of Andalusia's history during the era of sect rulers, the play presents a captivating dialogue between the witness and the "owner of the case," offering a mesmerizing journey between the past and the present. It delivers compelling arguments and lessons brimming with profound meanings, emphasizing the importance of extracting knowledge from history and applying its insights to the current context. With "The Return of Hulagu" and "The Case," the reader and the viewer can discern His Highness's profound interest in history and its significant influence on the present. These works earnestly seek to interpret the era's facts through a creative reimagining of historical events—an approach that is also evident in His Highness's play, “Reality a True Copy”.
Reality a True Copy
In his play "Reality a True Copy" published in 2001, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah continues his excavation of the Arab and Islamic past, emphasizing that the grave challenges currently faced by the Arab nation have historical roots. In the play's introduction, His Highness states, "The Islamic nation has endured periods more severe than what we are experiencing now, so let this play be a reflection of not giving in to despair and a catalyst for unity and struggle." The play delves into historical figures and significant events that have shaped the Islamic nation. Through vivid and captivating writing, His Highness deeply embodies the Palestinian cause, stimulating thought and raising awareness. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also explores the power struggle of the past and present in his play "Alexander the Great," released in 2006. The play serves as a vivid depiction of power struggles, both historical and contemporary, transcending time and location. It draws lessons from history, highlighting how dreams and boundless ambitions led Alexander to attempt world domination—an aspect that resonates with the current global landscape characterized by the dominance of major powers and their pursuit of a singular vision. While the play does not directly present the future of these power struggles and their current fate, it invites the reader to reflect and contemplate upon these themes.
The fate of tyrants
In 2008, the play "Nimrod" was published, focusing on tyranny and injustice in past eras and investigating their historical origins and contributing factors. It aims to draw lessons from history that humanity must contemplate for a prolonged period in order to reconcile with its human essence, embrace peace, and foster tolerance. Observing the contemporary global scene, one can undoubtedly notice that conflicts and wars continue to arise for the same reasons as in the past, as if people fail to learn from their mistakes and repeat them in vain. Therefore, the play acts as a visit to history to read and understand the present in order to learn valuable lessons. One of the central messages of the play is reflected in Nimrod's demise, where a small insect, one of God's creatures, ultimately destroys him. This highlights the notion that no matter how tyrannical an individual may be, they remain weak. The play also emphasizes the need for unity, solidarity, and human cooperation in the face of injustice.
In 2011, the play "Turgut" was released, presenting a vision that sheds light on failures and shortcomings while offering lessons that lead us to confront the bitter realities of the present and learn from the past to test our resilience. Drawing from historical events and power struggles in the Mediterranean basin, the play takes place in Tunisia and revolves around the naval commander "Turgut." He successfully liberates Arab ports and regions in North Africa from colonialists, becoming a legendary hero whose biography is recounted in numerous stories across the Maghreb countries. In 2015, the play "Alia and Essam" was showcased, a poetic play by His Highness. The main text of the play is a poem narrating the story of the Bedouin Arab tribe named "Rola" in a desert between Hama and the Levant. It delves into the love story between Alia and Issam and the subsequent events that lead to revenge, concluding with a tragic ending.
The play " Da'esh and Al-Ghabraa" was published in 2016, set in the Al-Qassim region and taking place fifty years before the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It focuses on the Ghatfan tribe, specifically its two branches, Abs and Dhibyan.
In addition to theatrical works, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah has contributed studies and writings discussing the history of theater to enrich the library's collection.
Criticism of extremism
The play "The Black Stone," published in 2012, tackles one of the most significant issues that the Arab nation has faced recently, which is terrorism plaguing the entire region. It specifically delves into the activities of the Qarmatians and their prolonged struggle with the Abbasid state, shedding light on the historical context of extremism.
In 2018, the play "The Book of Allah... The Conflict Between Light and Darkness" was released. It explores the ongoing struggle between light and darkness, aiming to provide insights into the present reality. The play examines the condition of the Islamic nation and its internal conflict between those who promote enlightenment and those who seek to distort the true image of Islam. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the need to counter the forces that propagate ignorance and misinterpretation.
The creative visions of producers
The theatrical works of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah have been brought to life on stage through the creative visions of numerous artists and theater directors, both within and outside the UAE. These plays have gained international recognition, with translations available in various languages and performances in major theaters worldwide. One of the significant intellectual achievements of these works is challenging the Western stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, as well as rectifying misconceptions and inaccurate historical information. The translation of these plays is particularly important as they address not only Arabs and Muslims but also a global audience, including the Western world.
Source: Al-Khaleej Newspaper - Special Edition