Youssef Eidabi highlights Arab Theatrical Criticism initiative

Emphasising critical engagement with Western theatre

During the opening session, Eidabi stated that the Arab Theatre Institute emphasised the importance of approaching Western theatrical productions critically. This approach encourages Arab theatre to engage positively with Western criticism while also contributing its own perspectives to the global theatrical discourse.

Discussions on philosophy, terminology, and identity

Eidabi shared with Sharjah 24 that the forum featured discussions by several researchers, including philosopher and thinker Ahmed Barqawi, who explored the relationship between theatre and philosophy. Sessions also addressed Arabic theatrical terminology, the distinctiveness of Arab theatre, cultural identity, and perspectives of the “other” on Arab theatre. The discussions focused on transforming Arab theatrical criticism from an individualistic to a collective approach.

Building a unified Arab theatrical criticism

Eidabi noted that there are strong foundations to develop Arab critical approaches that can enrich theatre criticism. He highlighted that existing criticism in the Arab world is limited, fragmented across regions, and lacks a unified code of conduct. Establishing a collective, organised framework for theatrical criticism remains a key goal for the initiative.