Dubai Culture to host Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre

Offering the most definitive platform for the very best young talent on the UAE theatre scene, the Festival, this year, will feature the participation of local theatre groups to produce plays, all of them written, directed and produced by young UAE nationals and residents.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has joined hands with Dubai Media Incorporate (DMI) as an exclusive media partner for the festival dedicated to theatre. As part of a long-term programme aimed at encouraging UAE Nationals to pursue theatre and acting, DMI will introduce an award for the best actors, and offer the winners opportunities to work in television, thus opening new growth avenues for the artists by raising their career profile and providing far-reaching media exposure.

This first and only of its kind initiative for the youth in the Emirate, Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is open to all theatre groups in the UAE.

The festival brings together actors, directors, writers and the entire crew of technicians including make-up artists, stage designers, audio-visual specialists, lighting and trussing artists and costume stylists. Part of the festival programme is a series of workshops, led by theatre veterans, on various aspects of producing a play.

Mr. Omar Ghabash, Board Member of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Chairman of the Dubai Festival of Youth Theatre, said that theatre has a defined place in the Gulf's cultural heritage.

"As one of the most powerful artistic expressions, theatre retains its appeal because of its intimacy and visceral quality. Everything happens in real time, making a special emotional connection with the audience."

He said:

"The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is committed to promoting talented artists in the UAE - especially among the youth - and the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is a wonderful platform for them to express their creativity. It will set the stage for young talented theatre enthusiasts to take up professional careers."

The plays on show at the festival will be evaluated by a jury of local dignitaries as well as another committee including representatives from DMI, which will be specifically involved in selecting actors for potential acting careers in television.

Faisal Abdalla, CEO Corporate and Support in Dubai Media Incorporated said: "Dubai has many gifted theatre enthusiasts, many of them working independently and performing to small audiences. This festival brings these talented individuals together and celebrates their potential."

"Our partnership with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority will further encourage youngsters in theatre, and provide them the opportunity to showcase their talent to a wider audience through careers in broadcasting. Our special committee will evaluate the artists and hope to offer the best UAE National male and female actors a role on television," Abdalla added.

Previously held during summer, the Festival will now take place each year in November to drive more audience to attend the shows.

"The new dates will be a permanent fixture in the calendar of activities of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and gives theatre groups more time to prepare in addition to strengthening audience participation," explained Ghabash.