Dubai Culture to honour best Emirati talent at closing gala of theatre fest

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• UAE nationals produce and enact eight plays


• Specialised workshops focus on various aspects of theatre


• Tribute to Late Salem Al Hitwai to be held today


• DMI to choose best actors and offer potential careers in television

 
Dubai - The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) will honour the best Emirati youth talent in theatre with an array of awards to be presented today (Tuesday, November 24, 2009) at the closing gala of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre.
 
The first-ever initiative of its kind to promote youth theatre in the UAE, the festival has been ongoing since November 14, with UAE nationals coming together to produce, direct and enact eight plays that have been open to the public. The plays, held at Dubai Cultural Scientific Association, have attracted hundreds of theatre enthusiasts.
 
The closing gala is much-awaited as Dubai Culture will be presenting more than 15 awards in various categories to the participants. Additionally, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), the exclusive media partner of the event, will select the best actor and best actress and offer them potential careers in television.  Commercial Bank of Dubai is the Rewards Sponsor of the event.
 
Omar Ghabash, Board Member of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Chairman of the Dubai Festival of Youth Theatre, said the enthusiastic public response to the festival is a reiteration of the tremendous appeal that theatre enjoys in the UAE.
 
"The success of the festival once again puts the spotlight on the amazing powerhouse of theatre talent in today's UAE youngsters. Through the event, we aimed to strengthen their talent through workshops led by veteran theatre professionals."
 
The various workshops covered the entire aspects of theatre production – from lighting and scene setting to costume design and acting. One of the highlights of the workshop was a tribute to the late Salem Al Hitawi, held on Monday at 8pm.
 
An accomplished theatre professional, Al Hitawi has several dramas to his credit and his last work Yasmin Wal Mareed Al Shareer is considered a masterpiece. He has contributed to both adult and youth theatre, and won several awards for best playwright. He also made commendable contributions to television.
 
Dubai Culture, the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, heritage and the arts, will honour renowned Emirati playwright and director Naji Al Hai with the ‘Theatre Personality of the Year Award’ at the closing ceremony of the festival on November 24.
 
Al Hai is the Executive Director in the Department of Social Development at the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs. He chairs the Arts Theatre for Youth, and has directed more than 20 plays in addition to performing in 12 of them. He is the author of eight plays, and has participated in various festivals across the region. He is credited with driving theatre talent, right from school days, and has played an instrumental role in nurturing theatre professionals in the UAE.
 
The awards to be given out at the closing gala include: Best Play, Best Director, Best Script, Best male actor, Best female actress, Best female supporting role, Best male supporting role, Best role for a non-Emirati, Best use of Lighting, Best music and sound effects, Best Scenery, Best costumes, Best makeup, a Recognition award and the Media award that includes two acting opportunities provided by Dubai Media Incorporated. The awards are decided by a panel of eminent theatre professionals and cultural leaders.
 
The Dubai Festival of Youth Theatre is one of several path-breaking initiatives by Dubai Culture aimed at strengthening and invigorating the cultural fabric of Dubai.

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