Wasla app connects theatre artists at Sharjah Theatre Days

March 26, 2026 / 6:39 PM

Sharjah24: As part of the cultural programme accompanying the 35th edition of Sharjah Theatre Days, a presentation on the “Wasla” digital platform was held yesterday at the guest residence, bringing together theatre practitioners from across the Arab world.

Egyptian artist Mona Suleiman, founder and director of the Wasla platform, introduced the initiative titled “Wasla: Towards a Comprehensive Theatre Database,” emphasising its aim of connecting theatre professionals with festivals and events worldwide.

She explained that the idea arose from the need to better connect individuals working in the performing arts sector, fostering greater collaboration and knowledge exchange across disciplines. The platform has been active since 2018 and is currently managed by a team of five members.

Addressing challenges in performing arts sector

Suleiman highlighted main challenges faced by performing artists, such as limited access to travel and cultural exchange opportunities, as well as gaps in awareness of festivals due to insufficient promotion or lack of research. These challenges, she pointed out, can impede artistic growth across the region.

Innovative features to support artists

The platform aims to function as a comprehensive resource for live performance projects, providing review spaces for critics and artists, virtual discussion forums, event calendars with reminders, AI-powered tools for project proposals, and networking features through filtered search and swipe-based connections.

Developers emphasise strict user verification, especially for critics, aiming to establish a trusted review system akin to global platforms for assessing artistic work.

Suleiman concluded by thanking attendees for their engagement and expressed appreciation to the Sharjah Theatre Department and the organisers of Sharjah Theatre Days for supporting the initiative.