Talented young actors get showcase

Young thespians are entertaining audiences with a series of original performances this summer - all for free.

Left to Right, Saeed Al sheryani playing the father and Mohamed Al dahri who plays Manaa in the opening scene in the play Al fazaa in the Dubai Youth Festival at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar Dubai.Show less

DUBAI // Young thespians from across the country are entertaining audiences with a series of original performances this summer - and all for free. The Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is a showcase for young artists in a country that is rich with acting talent, says Yasser al Gergawi, the general co-ordinator of the festival. "We are giving youth a platform to express their ideas, beliefs and problems," said Mr Gergawi.

"We want to establish Dubai's international cultural presence in the performing arts and prepare an entire generation of youths. "The productions are all their own creation. They are the writers, directors, costume designers, light and sound engineers." The festival, which opened on Sunday, will host daily performances until Aug 20 at the Cultural and Scientific Association in the city's Al Mamzar. The performances start at 9pm.

Mr Gergawi, who is a playwright, suggested more needed to be done to encourage young artists. "We want to create a new generation of stage lovers. Our aim is to promote art, and rather than just going to the cinema for a movie, people will start going to the theatre. "UAE society is used to being entertained. We are used to watching ready-made plays, movies etc, and being critical without understanding the efforts involved in a production.

"In this festival we aim to develop skills by giving youth first-hand experience of production and creation so they can learn about and appreciate all the elements necessary." The plays, which are all in Arabic, cover a wide range of subjects. "One play talked about the relationship between human beings and their relationship with Earth. While everything built over land is in constant change and modification, loyalty remains to Mother Earth.

"Another talked about how life is a transcription of a group of curtains or blinds, each curtain is there to conceal something - politics, humanity, problems and issues between a man and woman," said Mr Gergawi. The festival is now in its second year and is, for the first time, being held under the patronage of Sheikh Majed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Participants have come from all across the UAE. "We have nine theatrical groups - all non-profit organisations, from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Dubai," said Mr Gergawi adding that the government backing for the programme highlighted its support of the performing arts. Parents of the young entertainers also appreciate the programme. "Although we have a different cultural mix in the UAE, some families are being very supportive of acting as a hobby for their children. Some parents drop their sons and daughters to rehearsals and pick them up daily and are there to watch their performances."

The festival is open to those between the ages of 15 and 35, and a background in stage is not required. The shows are open to audiences of all ages. "We hope that people will realise the benefits they will gain from attending," said Mr Gergawi. "It is a chance to see new talent in the country, meet UAE actors and actresses and is an excellent opportunity for networking. It is also a chance for those who are interested in taking part next year to sign up and meet people.

"We hope that such efforts will teach and develop the skills of youth and turn them into professional theatrical actors. "The UAE has all the elements needed ... to reach an international level. The only thing that is missing is the funding. There are 500 people who we refer to as the 'artist family' in the country. They are actors, writers, directors and engineers. They need more funding for their projects."

Mr Gergawi said financial backing would be especially meaningful when one considered this country's theatrical roots. "The first drama stage opened in the UAE in 1957. Many people may not know, but Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, was a play actor in his young years and is also a playwright. "He still writes plays today and each year one of his scripts is turned into a play." @Email:[e-mail]