STAFF REPORTER
SALALAH: The inaugural Dhofar International Theatre Festival has captivated theatre enthusiasts with a remarkable lineup of performances and workshops. Hosted at Al Morooj Theatre and the Sultan Qaboos Youth, Cultural and Entertainment Complex in Salalah, the festival runs until October 9, drawing audiences of all ages.
His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, inaugurated the festival, which aims to position Salalah as a cultural hub while promoting cross-cultural dialogue through the universal language of theatre. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, in his speech, emphasised the festival's significance as a bridge for cultural and civilisational exchange, noting how it enriches Oman’s cultural tapestry. The event honors notable figures in global theatre, with performances spanning six distinct categories, including grand theatre, children’s theatre, and monodrama.
With 35 performances and 350 artists, the festival promises to display the best of Omani, Arab, and international theatre. Notable workshops and training sessions will enhance skills in acting, improvisation, and directing, making this event not only a platform for performance but also for learning and innovation in the performing arts. This festival is expected to bolster Salalah’s cultural tourism by attracting international visitors. The festival is organised by Dhofar Municipality in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Omani Theatre Association and concludes on October 9.
The festival’s competitions on the second day showcased a range of performances that left audiences spellbound. The day began with The Desert Shepherd, a Tunisian production competing in the children’s theatre category. This was followed by Sri Lanka's Love and Lockdown, a poignant monodrama featured in the sixth competition track. The Jordanian play Phrymology, part of the fifth track, and Egypt’s Where No One Sees Me, focused on street and open-air performances, continued to enthrall audiences. The Syrian production Attic entered the grand performance competition, while Egypt’s With Work and Marriage brought the day to a close, competing in the community theatre category.
Workshops, such as Theatrical Improvisation led by Tunisian director Fadhel Jaibi and a directing session by Dr Engy El Bastawy, added to the festival's appeal, with participants exploring creative techniques in acting and directing.
Libyan director Tawfiq Qader Bouh, whose play The Seal addressed the plight of street children, expressed his excitement: “It’s an honor to be part of this festival’s first edition.” Egyptian actor Magdy Kamel, part of the judging panel, praised the festival’s vision of cultural exchange, saying, “Dhofar’s hospitality and the spirit of this festival are truly inspiring.” - ONA
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