The Sultanate of Oman joined the international community in observing World Theatre Day, which fell on March 27 every year. The event underscores the importance of theatre in promoting cultural activity, besides underlining the efforts of cultural establishments and theatrical institutions in developing this form of art. Theatre assumes significance as a space for thought, criticism and dialogue. It acts as a mirror to reflect social issues and human interactions and transformations. It also portrays the contributions of successive generations of artists who have shouldered the responsibility of highlighting issues and conveying intellectual visions through international forums, in the Arab world and the global arena.
Jalila bint Saif al Fahdi, Director of Theatre and Cinema Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said that theatre constitutes an influential form of art that contributes to activating cultural movement in the Sultanate of Oman. She underscored the active role of theatre in highlighting social and human issues by translating them into artistic works. Jalila noted that some theatrical performances draw their insights from history, customs and traditions, depending on a community’s attachment to its cultural identity. She added that theatre also supports cultural tourism as it attracts fans of theatrical arts. Emad bin Mohsin al Shanfari, Chairman of Oman Theatre Society, stressed that, in local and Arab contexts, theatre has played a basic role in shaping collective consciousness, notably by presenting social, economic and political issues in an influential style that appeals to various segments of society.
For his part, Mohammed bin Salim al Nabhani, Head of "Addan Culture and Art Theatre Troupe”, said that a recent felicitation of his group symbolised national appreciation for the role of theatre in promoting cultural awareness in society. The felicitation also stressed the importance of culture and arts in consolidating the national identity, he added. Osama bin Khamis al Suleimi, a playwright and director, said that the engagement of young people in the Omani theatre provides an opportunity to pose new questions, explore visions and reformulate the relationship of intellectuals with the stage (the theatre), as well as mankind at large, throughout the ages. Playwright Maryam bint Abdullah al Jaafari, winner of first place at Sharjah Award for Playwriting 2025-2026, said that her relationship with writing began in different forms since early childhood, noting that such motivation was particularly inspired by theatrical texts. She pointed out that a theatre text is not just words to be read out, but it rather constitutes a form of speech in which words are promptly transformed into feelings, movement and images before the audience. "What attracts me to writing for the theatre is the fact that theatre text commands an ability to present human and social issues in a profound manner that makes members of the audience feel that they are part of the experience and not just spectators”, Maryam observed. — ONA
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