In 2013- 2019 I lived and worked here in Muscat as a Drama and theatre teacher. During those years I got to know Al-Din a little bit.
Now I am back in the UK, I was honoured to hear that they remembered me and asked me to come back to be part of the jury for the children’s theatre during the theatre festival. I couldn’t wait to come back and was delighted to receive the invitation.
I have not been disappointed. Al-Din have done a fine job in the organisation of this festival of theatre. The idea was to bring the world together through the arts, and I believe they have done this very well, with many countries represented including Spain, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt and Syria along with speakers from Oman, UAE, Russia and UK.
The festival is made up of many components, including workshops where the actors can gather new ideas on ways to develop their character, how to use their voice, design costumes and work with children.
I think that this aspect of the festival is wonderful because the participants are able to share good practise and see how other countries/cultures work on these aspects of theatre preparation.
There are also panels discussing the various issues surrounding street theatre and how different countries value and represent this art form in various ways. What I have enjoyed about these discussions is that there are different ideas and opinions regarding what should/could be displayed. It has been a great topic for enjoyable, friendly debate over this last week.
Of course, a theatre festival would not be aptly named if it did not include theatre shows and performances. Each day there have been three performances - children's theatre, street theatre and adult theatre. The various participating countries have contributed to at least one or more of these sections.
Street theatre is a relatively new concept to Oman, so I have really enjoyed watching them explore with this newfound form of theatrical expression. Music, movement and acting entwined in a visual display close up and personal with the audience.
The children’s theatre element, for me has been the most entertaining. Here we have seen actors and actresses dress up in colourful costumes, playing whimsical characters, delivering lines of comedy in a fun and light-hearted fashion, whilst also telling an important story that teaches the children a moral lesson.
Through the adult theatre performances, we have seen a lot of raw emotion from the acting troupes. The tales have been hard-hitting and filled with sadness and the hardships of life. Yet each performance has been thoroughly unique. I have enjoyed seeing the creativity of the set designs, costume changes and use of lighting to create mood, atmosphere or change the setting completely.
As much as we are enjoying the theatrical festivities, there has never been a dull moment during the day times either. Al-Din have been extremely gracious hosts. Not only have they provided luxurious accommodation and delicious meals for us at the Muscat Grand Millenium Hotel, but they have also organised some excellent visits to cultural heritage sites in Oman such as The Royal Opera House, The Oman Through the Ages Museum in Nizwa and Nizwa Souq.
What a wonderful way to bring the people of the world together through art, in the most beautiful and hospitable of countries, Oman.
Well, done Al-Din, for a fourth, very successful theatre festival. I am already looking forward to the next one.
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