UAE children’s theatre festival concludes 19th edition

Closing ceremony and jury recommendations

The closing ceremony included the honouring of the adult and children’s jury committees, the participating theatre groups, and the festival’s sponsors. The jury presented its report, which included several recommendations, most notably the need to further develop theatrical texts in terms of ideas and style, avoid repetition and excessive simplification, and take into account the intellectual capacity of children in light of today’s rapidly evolving knowledge landscape.

The jury also highlighted the importance of encouraging the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence as supportive tools, while warning against full reliance on them in a way that could strip performances of their human spirit. In addition, the jury called on set, costume and make-up designers to focus their efforts on one or two productions to avoid repetition and visual similarity.

It recommended the establishment of a specialised committee to review and approve scripts in advance, contributing to raising the overall artistic standard of participating works. The report also proposed introducing awards for Best Promising Actor and Best Promising Actress to support emerging talent, and stressed the importance of strengthening theatrical training for young people through specialised workshops in writing, directing, acting and scenography.

Award winners announced

The announcement of winners revealed that Khorfakkan Arts Theatre claimed the majority of the festival’s awards through its production Kingdom of Ilira. The play won Best Production, the Children’s Jury Special Award for Best Production, Best Director for Abdullah Al Hareebi, the Jury’s Special Award for actress Haifa Hussein, Best Supporting Actor for Dhiab Nasser, Best Supporting Actress (shared) for child actress Hala Ahmed Al Zaabi, and Best Make-up for Mohammed Jassim.

Sharjah National Theatre won three awards for its production The Wooden Boy, with Mohammed Dashti receiving Best Leading Actor, Milana Rasoul winning Best Costumes, and Sakina Jawhar sharing the Best Supporting Actress award.

Artist Joudi Al Nabhan won Best Leading Actress for Innovation Village, which also received Best Script by Ali Jamal and Best Music and Sound Effects by Sherif Mohsen. Khaled Bashir won Best Lighting for Amoona and the Ring, while Raimos received Best Scenography for The Secret of the Blue Fareej.

Guest performance

Ahead of the closing ceremony, members of Rubu’ Qarn for Theatre and Performing Arts presented the guest performance The Empty Frame, which was warmly received by the audience for its strong acting, sound language and smooth dialogue. The play highlighted the role of schools in nurturing generations, discovering talents, and working hand in hand with families to overcome obstacles and concerns that may hinder students’ academic development and success in school and life.

Festival continues in Khorfakkan

Immediately following the conclusion of the festival, performances of the UAE Children’s Theatre Festival will begin in the city of Khorfakkan and will continue until 2 January.