His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated on Wednesday morning the new headquarters of the “Theatre Association” in the Al Taawun area of Sharjah.

Upon arrival, His Highness unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the official opening of the association’s headquarters, amid the joy of the attending members including artists, actors, and directors.

The Ruler of Sharjah congratulated the theatre community on the opening of the new headquarters, noting his long connection with theatre since childhood and emphasizing the role of theatre as a means of social communication and effective influence.

Community Awareness

His Highness exchanged friendly talks with the theatre professionals about the significant role of theatre in raising community awareness, given its tools and means related to live viewing, expression, and influencing the audience, which gives the actor the opportunity to address people and encourage their interaction with the sincere and lively expression of the issues presented by the play.

The meeting also addressed the importance of theatrical writing in producing constructive and positively influential works in society, encouraging knowledge and the benefits provided by plays, with the necessity of integrated work among artists, writers, and directors. Theatre work is collective and embodies teamwork, with the playwright needing to leave room for the director to present his vision and creativity, making the work convincing and presenting an honest image of society.

Advice

The Ruler of Sharjah gave several pieces of advice to the theatre community, urging them to seek knowledge, pay attention to reading and scientific qualification, guide and train new youth, refine their talents, and give them opportunities to learn and practice to showcase their artistic capabilities and learn from their predecessors in the field.

On his part, the Board of Trustees of the Theatre Association and its members expressed their thanks and gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous and ongoing support of the theatrical movement, encouragement, and provision of a fully equipped headquarters for the Theatre Association that includes offices, meeting rooms, and facilities that support the constant gathering of theatre professionals and organizing events and seminars related to theatre and the arts.

The inauguration was attended alongside His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah by Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Protocol and Hospitality Department, Ismail Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Theatre Association, Ahmed Al Jasmi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a large number of artists and officials.