Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to launch Dubai Theatre Festival for Youth

To be held from 10 - 20 August at the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association,, the festival will provide young actors, directors and playwrights the chance to demonstrate their talents in an art form that is gradually gaining more popularity in the UAE. The event will feature ten plays written, produced and directed by young people in the UAE. Entries for the festival are being invited from local theatre companies, universities, schools and cultural clubs in the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Majid said:

"As an art form, theatre has not only enriched our social life by providing education and entertainment but also helped us discover and understand ourselves and our society. The Dubai Theatre Festival for Youth provides a platform for the youth of this country to express themselves creatively and artistically. Events like these are a critical part of DCAA's effort to raise the quality of cultural life in Dubai."

His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the DIFC and Managing Director of DCAA, said: "The Dubai Theatre Festival for Youth is born out of our commitment to provide opportunities for young people in Dubai to showcase their artistic talent. As part of promoting art, we are keen not only to encourage accomplished artists but also young people who show enthusiasm for art forms like theatre. We invite the widest possible range of young people to take advantage of the opportunities provided at the Festival."

Apart from plays, the festival will also feature workshops conducted by stage directors and choreographers on acting skills, set design, trussing and lighting.

The festival will give away awards in 12 categories including theatrical production, director, script, actor in a leading role, actress in a leading role, actor in a supporting role, actress in a supporting role, set design, lighting, sound effects and music makeup. The jury that will select the awards is set to be announced by the DCAA by the end of this month. A special category on 'media's choice for best play' will also be included as part of the festival, which will bring colour, spectacle and entertainment to the wider public of the UAE.