35th Sharjah Theatre Days kicks off on March 24

In his opening remarks, Ahmed Bourhima, Director of the Theatre Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Theatre Days, stated: “Thanks to the wise vision and generous support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Theatre Days has become a vibrant cultural celebration where generations and experiences of Emirati theatre converge, and where the finest creations and aspirations are showcased, enriching and revitalising cultural life. It has also become a bridge for the exchange and interaction of Arab theatre perspectives and knowledge through its critical and intellectual forums and training workshops.”
 
Forefront of Arab theatrical events
 
He emphasised that the generous patronage bestowed upon the event, which was established in 1984 by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, "has strengthened its position, multiplied its achievements, shielded it from challenges, and placed it at the forefront of Arab theatrical events."
 
New theatrical productions
 
Bourhima welcomed the participants in the new session and its guests from across the Arab world, noting that "the comprehensive programme includes new theatrical productions, seminars, and cultural evenings featuring a selection of Gulf and Arab artists, in addition to tribute events; all of which reflects Sharjah Department of Culture's commitment to continuing and developing the vibrant legacy of the Sharjah Theatre Days, a beacon of art, thought, and knowledge."
 
The new session will open at the Palace of Cultural Theatre with the play "The Runaways" by the Tunisian National Theatre Company, on the occasion of its winning the "Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work," organised by the Arab Theatre Authority. The last edition of the award was held in Cairo, Egypt, last January.
 
Awards’ winners
 
At the opening ceremony, Kuwaiti artist Mohammed Jaber "Al-Aidarousi" will be crowned the winner of the Sharjah Award for Arab Theatrical Creativity in its nineteenth edition. Emirati artist Jamal Al-Sumaiti will also be honoured as the "Local Personality of the Year," and Tunisian director Wafaa Al-Taboubi will receive the Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work 2025. The selection committee reviewed eleven productions submitted for the Sharjah Theatre Days awards and chose seven to compete: "Choosing a Title," written by Taghreed Al-Dawood and directed by Ibrahim Salem for the Sharjah Modern Theatre Troupe; "The Depths of the Soul," written by Abdullah Ismail and directed by Abdulrahman Al-Mulla for the Kalba Association for Folk Arts and Theatre; "Suna," written by Talal Mahmoud and directed by Marwan Abdullah Saleh for the Dubai National Theatre; "Half a Night," written by Ahmed Al-Majed and directed by Elham Mohammed for the Khorfakkan Arts Theatre; and "Hair Qarmousha," written by Ismail Abdullah. The competition includes Mohammed Al Ameri's "Dictionary of Disappearances" for the Sharjah National Theatre, Muhannad Karim's adaptation and direction for the Yas Association for Culture, Arts and Theatre, and Ali Jamal's "We Will Restore It to Its Former Glory" for the Youth Arts Theatre.
 
These performances will be judged by an artistic committee comprised of: visual artist and set designer Waleed Al Zaabi (UAE), director Dr Ajaj Salim (Syria), writer Mufleh Al Adwan (Jordan), director Dr. Hatem Darbal (Tunisia), and researcher Dr Rania Yahya (Egypt).
 
Parallel programme 
 
The remaining four performances will be presented in the competition's parallel programme: "When the Soul Chose to Stand" by Abdullah Ismail, directed by Issa Kayed for the Umm Al Quwain National Theatre; "Empty Suitcases" by Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, directed by Ibrahim Al Qahoumi for the Dibba Association for Culture, Arts and Theatre; "The Dry Land" by Nael Al Jaraba'a, directed by Fares Al Balushi for the Fujairah Theatre; and "Imagine" by Ahmed Al Majid, directed by Murtada Juma'a for the Abu Dhabi Folk Arts and Theatre Association.