5th Fujairah Monodrama Festival Ends with Tributes, Awards and Entertainment

After ten days of shows, seminars, lectures and forums about the art of monodrama, the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, which had attracted participants from more than 36 countries, concluded with a closing ceremony, awards and a concert.

The closing ceremony was held in the Hajar Ballroom at Le Méridien Resort at Al Aqah.

Thanks to Ruler

HE Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Festival Chairman, thanked His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, for his generous patronage of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Thanks to Ruling Family

Al Dhanhani also paid tribute to His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, for his unlimited support since the inception of the Festival, and His Highness, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority (FCMA), for his ongoing efforts and wise counsel that made the 5^th Fujairah Festival such a success.

Thanks to Organizers

Al Dhanhani thanked his friend and colleague, Engineer Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, the Director of the Festival, Ibrahim Allan, Executive Manager of the FCMA, chairpersons and members of committees and all festival guests.

Award Ceremony

Al Dhanhani and Al Afkham distributed certificates and awards to the artists, media personalities and all participants in the Fujairah Festival.

Entertainment and Eating

A concert with singers, Hatem Al Iraqi and Mona Amarsha, provided the entertainment, which was then followed by a formal dinner.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Ruler of Fujairah Thanked by Theatre Artists for Supporting the Arts, FIF, 29 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Celebrates Egyptian Actor Amro Saad, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Images:

Top: Al Dhanhani (right) and Al Afkham (left) distributed certificates and awards to the artists, media personalities and all participants in the Fujairah Festival.”

Bottom: “A concert with singers, Hatem Al Iraqi and Mona Amarsha, provided the entertainment, which was then followed by a formal dinner.”

Thanks to Mohammad Salim Al Bloushi for the photos.

Stay in Touch with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Ruler of Fujairah Thanked by Theatre Artists for Supporting the Arts

The Executive Board of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) presented a letter of thanks to His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in appreciation of his support for the work of the ITI.

The letter was sent on behalf of theatre artists from all over the world. The board affirmed to His Highness that they will continue to work hard to achieve his vision of sharing ideas internationally and fostering creativity.

The letter was framed during the meeting of the ITI’s Executive Board at Le Méridien Al Aqah Resort on 21 January 2012.

The chairman of the meeting, Mr. Ramendu Majumdar, President of ITI Worldwide, paid tribute to His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah, for his generous patronage of the international events and activities of ITI and his ongoing support for theatre.

He expressed appreciation to Sheikh Hamad for opening the second centre for ITI, which is based in Fujairah, and for supporting the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Fujairah Monodrama Celebrates Egyptian Actor Amro Saad, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Images:

Top: His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah.

Bottom: Members of the Executive Board of the International Theatre Institute.

Stay in Touch with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Fujairah Monodrama Celebrates Egyptian Actor Amro Saad

The 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF) this week celebrated the career of the young Egyptian actor, Amro Saad.

On 24 January 2012 Saad gave a lecture in which he outlined his experience with the Egyptian cinema and the development of his acting career.

The lecture was chaired by Hussam Abdul Hadi and was held in the Al Majlis Hall that is associated with the Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre. The lecture and discussion was well attended by a large number of Arab and international artists as well as guests to the FIMF.

Overnight Movie Star

Saad said that his acting career commenced by coincidence. He wanted to be a journalist but his father wanted his son to enroll in a College specializing in interior design, so that he’d secure a good job with a healthy salary. Saad attended the Applied Arts College in Cairo and worked as an interior designer for five years. He was discovered by Yousif Shaheen and Khalid Yousif and invited to act as the main character in the movie Heen Myassara that screened in 2009. Overnight Saad became a star.

His second movie, Dukkan Shahata, was a huge success and the public found a new idol in Saad.

Amro Saad said he was initially nominated for the leading role in the movie Kheyana Mashroo’a (Legal Betrayal), instead of Hani Salama, but he rejected the offer to accept the leading role in Heen Myassara, on which he worked for five years.

School of Giants

Saad told the audience that he not only graduated from the Yousif Shaheen school of art but from the school of all the giants of Egyptian cinema such as Mahmoud Al Melaigi, Ahmad Zaki, Nour Al Sherif and Suad Husni, from whom he learned much.

Saad is currently working on a new movie, Aswar Al Aqamar (Walls of the Moon), which starts shooting next week.

Television and Theatre

Saad’s lecture was followed by a vigorous discussion between the audience and the actor.

Artist, Nour Al Sherif, suggested that Saad should “experience acting in live theatre at least once every four years because it’s a necessary experience for every actor who wants to polish their skills.”

Tribute Award

After the lecture and discussion, His Excellency, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Chairman of the FIMF, paid tribute to Amro Saad and presented him with an award.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Images:

Top (from left to right) Chairperson Hussam Abdul Hadi and Amro Saad.

Bottom (from left to right) HE Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Chairman of the FIMF, paying tribute to Amro Saad and presenting him with an award.

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival

Speakers at the International Theatre Forum (26 January 2012), as part of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF), stressed the role of the festival in drawing attention to monodrama theatre.

The speakers explained that the FIMF introduced Arab culture and art to the international theatre and artists through the exchange of visits and the staging of events.

The discussion involved Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (chair), Tobias Biancone (Director-General of the International Theatre Institute), Birute Mar (Lithuanian artist), Jolanta Juszkiewicz (Polish artist) and Weislaw Geras (Polish artist and director of the oldest monodrama festival in the world).

The theme of the forum was the importance of monodrama theatre around the world.

Arab Theatre to the World

Tobias Biancone (Director-General of ITI) said that direct communication between Arab artists and the rest of the world through monodrama is very important. “Arab theatre has to be introduced to the world,” he said. “I’ve noticed great progress in the Arabic monodrama shows I’ve attended at several festivals and especially this festival.” Biancone added that it’s not fair to present good theatre and not share it with the rest of the world. He asked all Arab theatre artists to take their shows to different parts of the world, as it is the best way to promote their ideas and their art.

Forging Relationship With Audience

Mar said she was surprised with the response after her first show at the 1^st FIMF. She said, “I can honestly say now, in this edition of the festival, that things became very different after a relationship has been established between the theatre and the audience.” She said that a festival opens up the artists to the world and this is very important for Arab culture, thus heightening the significance of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Arab Theatre Showcased at Polish Festival

Weislaw Geras, director of the Polish Monodrama Festival, said that his was the oldest festival, starting 46 years ago. He paid tribute to Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (Director of the Fujairah Monodrama) for attending the Polish festival and opening delegates to the richness of Arab theatre. On his visit Al Afkham presented a lecture on Arab theatre to the Polish festival that was followed with an ‘Arabic Day’ that included the performance of two Arabic shows. This Arab theme was a first for Poland.

Polish Publications

Geras announced that the Polish festival will publish ten books this year, seven of which are about Polish actors and three about actors from other countries. He affirmed that these publications stimulate communication and provide information for all theatre enthusiasts in the world. A new book with 68 articles recently published in Poland focuses solely on monodrama theatre.

Artists Exposed to Different Cultures

Jolanta Juszkiewicz talked about her artistic career in Poland and Australia saying that her time in Australia was an important factor in increasing her knowledge of different cultures. With over 200 cultures, Australia is a melting pot for all cultures, which is important for promoting understanding and peace in the world.

Juszkiewicz, who was attending the FIMF for the first time said that she enjoyed the Fujairah festival atmosphere. “I’ve benefited a lot from this experience of Arab culture, she said. “I’m currently planning to visit future shows that stem from the Arab culture, which I respect and admire.”

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Image: Participants at the International Theatre Forum that was part of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival: from left to right—Weislaw Geras, Birute Mar, Tobias Biancone, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham and Jolanta Juszkiewicz.

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama

New Document Library

At a meeting of the International Monodrama Forum (ITF), on the sidelines of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, members decided to found a documentation library, with the headquarters in Fujairah, specializing in the art of Monodrama that is written in different parts of the world.

The recommendation was proposed by Fujairah’s Mohamed Saif Al Afkham.

The meeting was chaired by Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, President of IMF and it was attended by Vice President, Nina Mazur (Ukraine), Yolanta Sutowich—Director of the THESPIS International Festival in Germany, other members of the IMF and directors of Monodrama Festivals in many different countries.

Monodrama Award

The meeting also agreed on the mechanism of the Valery Khazanov’s Fujairah International Monodrama Award, which will be awarded to the best Monodrama show once every two years.

The value of the award is currently 5,000 Euros.

The Award Secretariat was formed with the following members: Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Nina Mazur, Yolanta Sutowich, Tobias Biancone—Director General of ITI, Alfira Arslanova—Director of the Russian Monodrama Festival, in addition to Olga Pozeli, secretary of IMF.

The committee will choose the best international monodrama shows and the award will be given for the first time to the winner during the next Fujairah International Monodrama Festival in 2014.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for some of the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Image: “The meeting was chaired by Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, President of IMF.”

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival

Two books by, Fujairah writer and poet, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, were launched at the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival on 25 January 2012.

The books, Ya Lail Ma Atwalak and Al Yazra, were launched at the majlis associated with the Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre. The two volumes were recently published by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority.

The book launch and signing were chaired by poet and former Jordanian Minister of Culture, Jerais Samawi, who explained the importance of Al Dhanhani’s books and the richness of their symbols and allusions.

Samawi said that the texts go into the depths of the human mind and extract the thoughts and concerns. The books also take their inspiration from the local Emirati environment and introduce that unique landscape to Arab readers. The chairman also spoke highly of the flow of words and the different human emotions that the texts evoke.

Tribute from Friend and Colleague

Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality and Director of the Monodrama Festival, was introduced as one of Al Dhanhani’s best and lifelong friends and a companion in creative and cultural work. In his personal tribute, Al Afkham stated that the Al Dhanhani is enthusiastic, one who believes in himself and a creator that shared his ideas with him.

“Al Dhanhani’s theatrical texts have all begun as mere ideas,” Al Afkham said. “These ideas soon turn to realities in the pages of his plays, poems or television scripts.”

Iraqi artist and director, Aziz Khayoun, talked about his experience in working with Al Dhanhani when they staged Al Haffar, a play that was a huge success.

A Moving Dedication

Al Dhanhani thanked people for attending the book signifying and those who contributed to turning his dreams into realities. He then read a text from his first poetry book, Sudfa (published in 2011) and then signed copies of the books for the guests of the festival. The author dedicated these books to his late father who died in 2011.

About Al Dhanhani

Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani was born in Dibba, Al Fujairah in 1969. He is the Director of His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah’s Court. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and Chairman of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Some of Al Dhanhani’s theatrical plays include: Fanous, Qatra, Sheraa Al Samoum, Al Layla Al Akheera, Ya Lail Ma Atwalak and Al Haffar.

His television scripts include Sara Ellail, Lel Asrar Khoyot, Al Ghafa, Wadeema and Ma Nettefeg.

Al Dhanhani won the best theatrical text award for his play Ya Lail Ma Atwalak and has been honored at a number of Arab and international festivals.

Most recently the spectacular dramatic and dance performance, The World Passes Through Here, was written by Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani and thrilled all those who attended the opening ceremony of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival at the Fujairah Fort.

Thanks

The book launch was conducted in Arabic. Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for some of the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Images:

Top photo (from left to right)—Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Jerais Samawi, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (paying his tribute) and Aziz Khayoun.

Middle Photo: Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani signing one of many books on the night.

Bottom Photo: HE Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, at his office at the Diwan in his role as Director of His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah’s Court.

Related

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village

His Highness, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, attended some of the activities of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival on Thursday 26 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid visited the Heritage Village in Dibba-Fujairah and viewed some of the handicrafts and items of Emirati heritage permanently displayed at the village.

His Highness also met with many of the festival’s guests who had come from different parts of the world to enjoy the Fujairah festival.

In the evening Sheikh Rashid attended the play, Desdemona, a joint Polish-Australian production, adapted from Shakespeare’s Othello. The play was performed by Jolanta Juszkiewicz and directed by Anatoly Frusin and Jolanta Juszkiewicz. Jolanta was brilliant in her performance of the devoted wife who faces the evil side of human nature and is doomed to die because of her husband’s extreme jealousy for a sin she did not commit.

Final Day

Saturday, 28 January 2012, is the last day of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival. The closing ceremony will take place at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort at 8pm.

The festival concludes after eight full days of international dramas (Arabic and English), morning forums, seminars, lectures, meetings and after-show discussions.

Related

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Emirates Natural History Group—Fujairah Commences 1 February 2012

Update Link Below

The inaugural meeting of the Emirates Natural History Group—Fujairah will be held in the library of the HCT—Fujairah Men’s College on 1 February at 7pm.

Acting President, David Edwards, said that the first meeting will provide an explanation as to how the ENHG and ENHG-Fujairah has developed in the UAE with some information and discussion about future meeting topics and field trip visits in the emirate.

Since noises were made in 2011 about establishing an Emirates Natural History Group in Fujairah there have been these developments:

+ A new patron—His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, is very enthusiastic about this new group

+ A new acting committee

+ A new logo taken from an Arabian leopard on ancient Fujairah rock art (pictured)

+ A new resourceful collegiality with the various chapters of the ENHG in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

Please Contribute

While we are thrilled about these developments there are still many things to establish, lots of opportunities for people to contribute and ideas to be welcomed from members in Fujairah.

Discover Fujairah

Fancy doing some exploring in a Fujairah wadi?

Like to learn about the archeological digs that are taking place in our emirate?

Can you read and interpret some Fujairah petroglyphs (rock art)?

What about a visit to the Bithna fort and farms with those who have studied the area?

Come to the meeting at 7pm on 1 February brimming with ideas of what you’d like to see, visit and experience.

Venue

Check the location map for the Fujairah Men’s College.

Got a Question?

Email David Edwards at this address: dedwards@hct.ac.ae

Further

Fujairah Chapter of Emirates Natural History Group is Launched, FIF, 4 February 2012.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival

The uprising in Syria and other Arab countries in recent months was featured on stage this week at the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Entitled, ‘Spring Sonata’, the one man Syrian show was performed by Mazen Al Natour on Monday 23 January 2012 at the Dibba Society Theatre in Fujairah. It was written by Jamal Adam and directed by Maher Al Selaibi.

The character is a Syrian teacher of history who has received a higher education in France. He reviews some historical events from Syria as he seeks to renovate his house. The attempt to plaster and paint over the cracks becomes something of a metaphor for the play.

The teacher recalls the life and times of his grandparents, his French wife and daughter ‘Sonata’ and his friends. His performance of these different characters adds richness and humour to the monodrama.

The actor recounts the oppression and violence shown toward him and his friends because of their commitment to maintaining their dignity and exercising their human rights.

A video screen is used to illustrate his memories and portray his changing moods.

The Syrian drama connected strongly with the Fujairah international audience and it was obvious from the laughter, the silence and the applause that something powerful was happening in the theatre.

Discussion

The play and subsequent discussion raised issues about the extent to which playwrights should state and how much they should infer.

Some expressed disappointment that the writer had narrated the history of Syria at the beginning of the play and the wish that these events were understated.

In the post-performance discussion, led by Egyptian artist, Sameh Al Seraiti, with participation from Maher Al Selaibi, Jamal Adam said why he had described the Syrian events but he was highly appreciative for the feedback. He said that the performance in Fujairah was the premiere of the play and he and the director promised to consider the feedback as they look to future performances of the show.

The Syrian trio is to be congratulated for creating and performing a drama about a major movement that is sweeping the Middle East and is as yet, unfinished and unresolved.

The Organizing Committee of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival is to be congratulated for scheduling the post-performance discussions for this conversation was as intense and dramatic as the play itself.

Take a Look

Some photos from the ‘Spring Sonata’ and the discussion that followed can be seen in this photo album.

Further

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Image: “The attempt to plaster and paint over the cracks becomes something of a metaphor for the play.”

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Club Apparel Supports the Community of Fujairah

Club Apparel on Cue

Club Apparel was the major sponsor for the Second West Asian Billiards and Snooker Championship (14-20 January 2012) held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

At the press conference, when Apparel Group Chairman, Nilesh Ved (pictured) was asked about the connection between Club Apparel and snooker, he offered these two reasons for his company’s sponsorship:

Supporting Fujairah Community

“As a company, Club Apparel, we want to support the community and be part of the Fujairah community. Snooker is very much a popular, grass roots sport in the UAE community and this is why we are entering into this sponsorship partnership.”

Club Apparel Opening in Fujairah

“The other reason for sponsoring this tournament is because we are opening lots of new stores in Fujairah this year.”

Nilesh Ved went on to explain that many people recognize the brands that are part of the Club Apparel stable (see them all at this link) but they do not always recognize the Apparel brand.

Later, Sunny Sehgal, Assistant Marketing Manager for Club Apparel, later listed the Apparel stores that are coming this year to the Fujairah City Centre:

Aeropostale

Aldo

Aldo Accessories

Bench

Charles & Keith

Inglot

Naturalizer

Spring

Athletes Co

Athletes Co Kid

Garage

Ninewest

Cold Stone

Tim Hortons

Further

13 Countries to Compete in Billiards and Snooker at Fujairah Concorde Hotel, FIF, 10 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, articles, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah and the Freedom from Plastic Bags

The Fujairah Municipality is recommitting Fujairah to the UAE government initiative in 2009 which goes under the slogan, ‘Emirates Free of Plastic Bags’.

Circular to Companies

The Municipality has issued a circular to all commercial establishments in the emirate to prohibit the distribution of plastic bags that are not biodegradable.

Register Plastic Products

Fujairah businesses are asked to register their plastic products to ensure that they conform to the correct bags (according to the UAE’s Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology) by January 2012.

All Fujairah companies are also alerted to regular, surprise inspections in order to ensure that they comply with the Ministerial Decree (#451) in regard to using biodegradable bags and other products.

Public Awareness

The Municipality’s new drive aims to raise the awareness of the public about the dangers of traditional plastic bags and to encourage the use and re-use of biodegradable bags.

A very comprehensive program of events are being run in factories, schools, clubs and city halls with lectures, films and workshops while leaflets have been distributed and posters placed to raise public awareness.

Reusable Bags Need Promotion

The biodegradable plastic bags take 18 months to breakdown and their availability at supermarket checkouts still encourages consumption.

Why not charge customers for using any form of plastic bag and encourage people to bring their own reusable shopping bags made from jute or a similar material?

It would be good for the Fujairah Municipality to promote free reusable bags on which supermarkets and other shops could place their logo.

The charging for plastic bags and the promotion of reusable bags would do much to encourage a genuine freedom from plastic and promote environmental responsibility.

Discussion

What more would you like to see happen regarding the use of plastic for marketing and carry bags?

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres

Importance of Acting Schools

During a panel discussion at the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, the distinguished artist, Nour El Sherif, stressed the importance of the school and university theatre in establishing a base for the general theatre in any country.

Sherif said that school and university theatres prepare and train young talent for their future careers in theatre and instill within them the elements that are related to theatre through viewing and following other theatrical works.

UAE Fostering the Arts

Egyptian actor, Ashraf Abdel Ghafour, who is currently the Director of the Actors Union in Egypt, said that the UAE is a leading country in the arts and culture because of the many events that it provides in both fields. The Fujairah International Monodrama Festival is one such event and its role in supporting the arts is significant.

The second centre for the International Theatre Institute (ITI) is also in the UAE (Fujairah) and this makes the UAE one of the establishing countries of culture and the arts in the Arab world.

Theatres for the Arab World

Abdel Ghafour stressed the necessity for raising interest in the Arab world for building suitable, well-equipped theatres that are modern and able to accommodate a variety of artistic shows.

Related

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Thanks

These discussions by Ashraf Abdel Ghafour and Nour Al Sherif were in Arabic. Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for some of the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Revised Program of Fujairah International Monodrama Festival

The Friday Opening Ceremony was postponed until Sunday, causing a rejigging of the program.

Here is your copy of the Revised Program for the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival 2012.

Geoff Pound

Image: from left to right, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (Festival Director) presenting awards to Ashraf Abdul Ghafour and Nour Al Sherif.