MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, is set to host the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival, scheduled from January 9 to 15, 2025. The event, organized in collaboration with the Arab Theatre Institute and the Oman Theatre Society, will showcase 15 theatrical performances from Oman and other countries, taking place at venues including Al Bustan Palace, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the College of Banking Studies.
According to Oman News Agency, Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture and Chairman of the Main Committee of the festival, emphasized that the festival will serve as a gathering for top Arab artists, theatre specialists, writers, and directors. The event aims to explore the role of theatre in fostering cultural and innovative growth in the Arab world. Over 500 Arab artists are expected to participate in the performances and related activities.
Al Busaidi outlined that the festival will also include an exhibition of Omani handicrafts, an art exhibition, and 30 press conferences. In addition, a scholarly workshop will delve into the interrelationship between theatre, artificial intelligence, and innovation. The festival will host 33 book signing sessions focused on Omani, GCC, and Arab theatre arts, featuring the launch of nine new books on Omani theatre at the Arab Theatre Institution’s pavilion.
A highlight of the festival will be the Arab Theatre Day message, delivered by Palestinian artist Fat’hi Abdul-Rahman on January 10. Al Busaidi noted that the festival aligns with shared Arab values and aims to enhance cultural communication, exchange experiences, establish partnerships, and integrate with global institutions.
The festival will feature 15 main theatrical performances from 13 Arab countries, with 11 of these performances vying for the ‘Award for the Best Arab Theatrical Performance,’ sponsored by Sheikh Dr. Sultan Mohammad Al Qasimi. Participants from additional Arab countries will also contribute to the event.
The festival’s broader goal is to promote Arab culture, particularly emphasizing the development and innovation in Arab theatre. It aligns with the objectives of the Arab Strategy for Theatre Development and seeks to enhance research and writings that address diverse societal segments.