MUSCAT: The Omani Theatre Association (OTA) has opened registration for the inaugural Muscat Theatre Festival, scheduled to take place in Muscat Governorate in December, providing a new national platform for theatre groups, universities and colleges to showcase their productions and compete.
Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2026, after which a specialised committee will review and evaluate the submitted productions and select the performances for the festival’s final programme.
Participation is open to Omani theatre groups as well as universities and colleges. The competition is limited to group theatre productions, with monodrama, duodrama and pantomime excluded. Each participating entity may submit only one production, while the festival management reserves the right to exclude works that do not meet the requirements or are deemed unsuitable for the festival.
The competition allows both Omani and international theatrical texts. However, the Best Theatrical Text Award is reserved for Omani writers in accordance with the festival regulations. The association is also encouraging productions that address contemporary societal issues.
Emad bin Mohsen al Shanfari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Omani Theatre Association, said the festival will provide a space for Omani theatre practitioners to meet, exchange experiences, compete and present their work.
He said the association aims to support the development of the Omani theatre movement and establish a renewed national platform for theatrical productions.
Al Shanfari said the festival forms part of a broader vision for sustaining theatrical activity in Oman. He expressed hope that national theatre festivals would alternate annually, with the Muscat Theatre Festival held one year and the Omani Theatre Festival for Groups, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the following year.
He added that the first edition would serve as an experience that could be developed in future editions, with the association seeking feedback from theatre practitioners and using their observations to improve the festival.
The association called on theatre groups, universities and colleges wishing to participate to complete their applications before the November 1 deadline. A specialised viewing and selection committee will then assess the submitted works and announce the productions selected for the festival. – ONA
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