8th newthink Theater Event: innovative ideas aiming for Bbetter future for Jordanian youth

In order to present an enhanced and more diverse experience to its audience, the 8th newthink Theater Event delivered shorter sessions, as well as more visual elements during performances.

Maher Kaddoura, Founder of newthink Theater and social activist, explained, "The 8th newthink Theater Event veered towards simplicity in terms of the presentation of ideas. The diverse lineup of carefully selected ideas was showcased in an entertaining manner that allowed interested individuals to research further if they wanted to. Kaddoura elaborated that selling 500 tickets out of 1,700, sought to ensure the Event's continuity and ability to cover various expenses."

The 8th newthink Theater Event kicked off with a guest appearance from Syrian singer Shadi Ali, who welcomed the attendees with a performance of 'Tallou Hbabna'. During the next segment, Nabil Tarazi shared his journey of discovering Jordan which began when he left his comfortable job in IT and set off on an adventure that ended with the establishment of the Feynan Ecolodge.

Tarazi's segment highlighted Jordan's natural and environmental treasures, as well as the importance of visiting and experiencing the different lifestyles of each area and sharing with locals the various aspects of their daily lives.

Fouad Majdalawi, General Manager of Interactive Knowledge Center and founding Board Member of Ibn Rushd National Academy, spoke about the importance of fully-understanding and perfecting the language of our mother tongue.

He also cited international studies which showed that in order for children to learn and develop a new language, it is imperative that they master the language of their mother tongue during the first six to eight years of their lives.

Mohammad Younes, Founder of Sharek - an initiative bringing together organizations and initiatives that seek to develop the community and encourage youth to launch and implement different initiatives - delivered a short speech during his segment. In his speech, Younes spoke about his resentment towards negativity and carelessness, an unhealthy attitude that is at times present amongst youth, causing them to say 'Ana Mali?', which broadly translates into 'Why should I care?'.

The Event also consisted of a soulful violin performance by well-known musician Ya'rub Smeirat, a member of RAZ band which is led by renowned Jordanian artist Aziz Maraqa.

Rasha Baka'i, a young and ambitious marketing, media and social entrepreneurship enthusiast, presented the next segment which tackled her involvement in INJAZ's 'Social Leaders Programme'. She explained that the Programme brought together 20 young community members from several directorates across the Kingdom with 20 CEOs to discuss a number of related topics, subsequently enabling them to develop their ideas and projects. Baka'i also spoke about the crucial role of diversity amongst individuals.

Laith Al Qasem, engineering, management and business development expert, delivered a segment that shed light onto determination, during which he highlighted, through several examples, that resolving any problem begins with acknowledging the issue and then working towards finding a solution.

Jordanian artist and musician, Hasan Minawi, who transformed a regular drinking straw into a musical instrument, was ushered onto the stage by Mohammad Al-Tarawnah, the young man who inspired Minawi to create this revolutionary instrument. Both men conducted an enthralling performance that was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees.

The 8th newthink Theater Event was supported by a number of main sponsors and partners. Event partners include: Umniah, Shami Eye Center, Roya TV and Bank al Etihad. Sponsors included: Jeeran, Bidaya Corporate Communications, Ayyam FM, Play FM, Behind The Scenes, DV8 Digital Marketing, Maestro Entertainment, Al Noor Printing Press and TradeMark. The Event comprised diverse segments and witnessed numerous forms of interaction with the presenters.

Deema Bibi, CEO of INJAZ, a leading organization that seeks to prepare Jordan's youth to becoming active members of society, conversed with Kaddoura, who asked her how she achieves a balance between her career and personal life. Bibi revealed that this issue poses a constant challenge and that she is continuously searching for different ways to tackle it.

The Event brought forth some comic relief from Hasan Al-Halabi, a rebel writer who encouraged youth to be positive and fulfill their dreams through a slang poem verse that translates into: 'Wake up, keep an open mind, stay alert, be careful, don't be cowardly, be creative, accomplish and fly'.

The next segment was presented by Hazem Betar, Founder of technology lab/club PIN 13 Protospace, who took to the stage impersonating James Bond. Through a video, he showed that anyone, not necessarily an expert, can utilize technology and electronics to alter the course of his/her life.

In turn, Husam Fakhouri, asked the audience 'Shu Mraytakom'. He dismissed negative reflections and social restrictions that hinder personal growth, encouraged individuals to believe that they are unique and prompted them to search for their own true reflections.

The Event showcased several Jordanian talents including a captivating performance by Luceen, who sang "Ala Shoo" by Julia Butros.

The 8th newthink Theater Event touched on the pressing issue of increased waste materials in Amman. As such, Rashed Al-Na'sa delivered a segment entitled 'Rjeem Zbaleh', during which he revealed that Jordanians throw out 4,600 tons of garbage each day, sufficient to cover the Abdali area up to one meter.

Event entertainment also comprised of a performance by the "Masrah Taht Al Ta'sees" band, a group of young men who share a love for theater. The group conducted a session during which they shed light onto the vital role of art and music, and showcased some of the obstacles musicians are faced with.

Nour Khrais, passionate businessman, Founder and CEO of Maysalward Gaming Company, the first mobile game development company in the Middle East, delivered a session entitled 'Game of Trust'. He spoke about the importance of placing trust in others, which in turn spurs productivity, creates a sense of responsibility and encourages individuals to make sound choices.

Khrais presented an example of a young man named Amer who graduated Tawjihi with a 57% average and began as a worker in a sugar factory. After being offered a boost of confidence, Amer later harnessed his drawing talent and was able to not only obtain a university degree, but also graduate with honors.