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.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors

Mabrook!

In addition to staging a variety of theatre performances, the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival Organizing Committee is to be commended for including interviews with actors and playwrights which ensue in Q & A times and conversations in which the guests and general public can participate.

Friendships Thru’ the Arts

On the second day of the Festival the organizers organized a panel discussion (pictured) on the topic ‘Lifelong Friends’. Chaired by Festival Chairman, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Egyptian actors, Nour El Sherif and Ashraf Abdel Ghafour spoke of their friendship that has extended for decades and which was established and strengthened through their participation in the art world.

Significant Role of the Arts

These two actors spoke of some of the difficulties that they had faced at the beginning of their careers when they both worked on the television show Al Qahera Wa Annaas (Cairo and People). This show was a minute by minute account of Egyptian society in 1967. It was a critical era in the history of Egypt and the Arab world and acting in this television drama played a very significant role.

Unforgettable Memories

The popular Egyptian artist, Hani Ramzi, offered a review of his career in the arts and his visions for life and theatre.

Ramzi spoke of his love for political comedy that stemmed from his family in Egypt. His great-grandfather was a member of the 1919 revolution, his father was an active politician and some of his brothers were also engaged politically.

The Danger of the Arts

Ramzi said:

“My interest in exposing political concerns and the way I approached the subject in my work led to many problems that ended in his art works being permanently monitored by the authorities.”

Encouraging Others

He said that what he went through in his life taught him to always be a student for the artists around him like the distinguished Egyptian actress, Sameeha Ayoub.

He added that the Egyptian actor, Mohammed Subhi once told Ramzi that he reminded him of himself when he was young and just starting his career.

On the margins of these two discussions the Festival Director, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, gave awards to the actors (pictured).

Thanks

These discussions were in Arabic. Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for some of the above content and to 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

Images: Top photo—from left to right, Ashraf Abdul Ghafour (talking into the microphone), Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani (chair) and Nour Al Sherif.

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

Some Fujairah Tourism Attractions Featured on Video

There are lots of fascinating things to do in Fujairah but the difficulty has been finding the places and obtaining information to make a useful and informed visit.

Perhaps the best video that has been made about Fujairah’s tourism attractions is called ‘Fujairah Tourism Movie’ and can be seen below.

It has been commissioned by the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority.

It has some captions but it needs more in English and Arabic.

It would be helpful to have information on every landmark featured in this movie and the others that did not get included.

Finally a route map would be beneficial to residents and tourists.

This good overview video is designed to whet the appetite and to encourage people to see that Fujairah has a lot to discover and enjoy, especially in the way of Emirati culture, old buildings (mosques, forts and palaces), sensational mountains and safe beaches.

Take a Look at Fujairah

Geoff Pound

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

Image: The popular Fujairah Fort.

French Archaeological Team Discoveries in Masafi, Fujairah 2011

A French archaeological team in conjunction with the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority has released their most recent report (French, Arabic and English) on the ‘Excavations and Survey in the Masafi Area: Fourth Archeological Campaign’ (November-December 2011).

The team was comprised of A. Benoist, V. Bernard, A. Callot, J. Charbonnier, G Choimet, A. Delassiaz, M. Egli-Destrosi, J. Goy, A. Hamel, C. Le Carlier, L. Purdue and T. Sagory.

Here is their report:

INTRODUCTION

History of Research

The team working in Masafi under the supervision of A. Benoist is part of the French Archaeological Mission in the UAE directed by S. Mery and financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The French Archaeological Mission in the UAE is engaged in a long term research program to study the evolution of human communities in the UAE, from the Neolithic period up until the beginning of Islam. To carry out these researches, the French Archaeological Mission includes several teams of specialists from CNRS, working on different periods: specialists of the Neolithic period have been working in Aqab (V. Harpentier), specialists of the Bronze Age have been working at Hili (S. Mery), researches are carried out in the emirate of Fujairah by a team more specialized in the Iron Age (A. Benoist) and excavations have been made at Mleiha by a team specialized in the Late Pre-Islamic Period (M. Mouton).

Regarding the Iron Age Period (Ca. 1300-300 BC), our aims are to study in a synthetic way different territories which have been occupied during this period, in order to put in evidence strategies of adaptation which were developed by human communities to take profit from their environment and to estimate the consequences generated by these strategies on the further development of societies. To carry out such a program of research, we try to select different geographic areas, characterized by different environments and resources and we study the organization and evolution of Iron Age territories located in these various geographical areas in order to establish local models of evolution and development. In a second time this data can help us to distinguish more clearly between environmental pressure and human choices and better characterize Iron Age societies.

The activity of the French Archaeological Mission in the Emirate of Fujairah is the result of a kind invitation by the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority who gently proposed to us to cooperate for studying pre-Islamic cultures. Traces of Iron Age occupation were first noticed in Masafi in 2003 during a brief visit made by the team. The site was reported to the department of Antiquities and measures for its protection were immediately taken.

Location and Composition of Masafi Territory

Masafi is located in a particular area including water springs, from where three wadis are circulating in different directions: Wadi Abadilah goes to the north west to Dibba, Wadi Ham crosses the mountains between Masafi and Fujairah and Wadi Siji links the region of Masafi to the one of Al Dhaid, along the western foothills. Thus, we probably are in one of the richest regions of the UAE for water. Traces of Iron Age occupation are known both at Dibba and Fujairah (Kalba) and Masafi appears also as a strategic location along the trade roads between western and eastern regions.

Thus, a program of research on the study of the Pre-Islamic occupation in Masafi was submitted by the French Archaeological Mission to the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority. It includes surveys and excavations in the part of Masafi belonging to the Fujairah emirate. With the authorization of the Department of Antiquities of Ras Al Khaimah, an exploration of some parts of Masafi belonging to the Ras Al Khaimah emirate was also planned.

During a first survey conducted in 2006-2007, the south-western part of Masafi was explored between the border of Ras Al Khaimah to the north and the road from Masafi to Al Dhaid to the south. Traces of Iron Age occupation extend in this area on a surface measuring around 600 x 200 m, including the western half of the Masafi Village, the eastern half of the palm tree gardens and to the north-west, a rocky hill which separated the cultivated area from the Wadi Abadilah. To the north, the Iron Age occupation seems to continue, although more sporadically inside the territory of Ras Al Khaimah. To the south the Iron Age occupation extends until the road leading from Masafi to Al Dhaid. An Islamic settlement is extending in the southern part of the Iron Age area, from the southern half of the palm gardens until the road.

Five archaeological areas were defined inside the area covered by the survey:

+ Excavations were made in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 on a low terrace located to the west of the present village, next to the palm tree cultivation area. They allowed the discovery of three successive public buildings dated from the Iron Age II Period. This area was named Masafi-1. These three successive buildings were very similar in shape and their function probably was identical, but each one was characterized by distinctive techniques of construction.

+ At a distance of 300 m to the north-west of Masafi-1 a fortress could be located on a rocky hill. It forms the Masafi-2 area. The excavation of this large Iron Age II settlement began in 2010 and is still in progress.

+ In 2007, a trial trench carried out in a farm to the west of Masafi-1 revealed a third archaeological site, Masafi-3. It was excavated during the 2009 and 2010 seasons and could be interpreted as a temple, dating from the Iron Age II Period. It probably was functioning when the public buildings were used and was connected to them.

+ Masafi-4 is an area located on the eastern side of a rocky hill to the north of Masafi-2 in the territory of Ras Al Khaimah. It was only visited in 2010 and still needs to be mapped with the agreement of the Ras Al Khaimah authorities. Stone walls are visible on the slope of the hill and a huge quantity of pottery is present at the foot of the hill. It includes some Iron Age material but also a lot of Islamic pottery and several occupations might be represented there.

+ Finally Masafi-5 was discovered in 2010 and the surface remains were mapped during the present campaign. The site is a settlement extending on the northern slope of a rocky hill which has been partly bulldozed to the south. A first study of the remains and the associated material made during the present campaign suggests a Late Bronze Age dating.

CONCLUSION

The present campaign has allowed us to definitely date the border and the cut and cover section of the falaj from the Iron Age Period and to precisely study the evolution of this area. Further research will maybe help us to study the connection between this area, determine the chronology of the public buildings and find the location of the water sources during the period of occupation.

At the present point of research, the fortress appears as a structured construction, made owing to a plan which suggests a strong political organization. Its dating seems quite close to the one which we gave to the different public buildings of Masafi-1, although its abandonment might have been somewhat earlier than the abandonment of the Masafi-1 area (stone building C). There are in Masafi-1 several episodes of abrupt changes (the first and the second public buildings have burnt and have been replaced by buildings made in another type of construction material); one of these might be related to the Masafi-2 ‘big fire’. 14C dating and material studies are in course and we hope they will lead to a better chronology of Masafi evolution.

Several elements might explain the location of the fortress on the slope of the rocky hill, in an area which was a difficult location for a construction and more particularly for a regular construction:

+ One of them is the wish to leave to agriculture all the space located downwards to the country of areas located along the foothills. The agriculture space at Masafi was totally surrounded by mountains. It could be optimized through densification of agriculture but hardly protected.

+ Another reason was the necessity of protecting the area from the west along the opening of Wadi Siji.

Further

Thanks to the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority for making this report and the photos available.

Take a Look

Some photos taken of the different Masafi sites can be seen in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

Image: A bird’s-eye view of the Masafi-1 site.

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

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort

The opening ceremony had been delayed and it was an unusually chilly evening but the opening ceremony on Sunday night was a spectacular event of dance, sound and light that made full use of the backdrop of the Fujairah Fort.

Opening Speeches

The evening commenced with opening speeches by His Excellency, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani (Festival Chairman) and Mr. Tobias Biancone (Director General of the International Theatre Institute) that paid tribute to His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, and noted the tremendous support that he has given to the promotion of culture and drama in the emirate.

The presence of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority was much appreciated by the international and local audience and added great importance to the ceremony and festival.

His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (Festival Director and Secretary-General of ITI) gave a speech in which he recognized the contribution of Peter Brook. It included video footage of the delegation that visited Peter Brook in Paris and his appreciation in receiving the first Fujairah award in theatre excellence.

This section concluded with the Ruler of Fujairah acknowledging the festival’s sponsors and congratulating the winners of the International Playwriting Competition (Arabic): Dr. Milha Abdulla (KSA), Taha Adnan (Morocco) and Metwalli Abu Nasser (Palestine).

The Opening in Numbers

The newly created outdoor theatre had a capacity of 1,000 people, each of whom would have got a great view of the stage, the fort and the Hajar Mountains. There were 300 technicians on location during the ceremony and 20 international experts in light and sound. 50 musicians contributed to the music in the opening ceremony.

30 days were needed to install the stage and 180 days were needed to prepare for the ceremony.

‘The World Passes Through Here’

The main event was a nourishing ‘light dramatic and artistic meal’ written by local playwright and poet, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, narrated by Asaad Khalifa and directed by Eyad Al Khzouz. Music was composed by Walid Al Hashim and the dance was performed by the Ornina Group for Theatrical Dance.

It presented the history of the region down through the centuries with explorers arriving by ship, the chapters of conflict and the local characters shaped by the mountains and the sea. It concluded by featuring the formation of the UAE and the development of Emirati culture with a large number of Emirati men emerging from the fort and doing the youla dance while the dance troupe moved across the stage.

The dancers were colourful and bright, the sound effects dramatic and the visual images screened on the fort’s façade created impact and tension.

Last night’s event was an opportunity to welcome international guests and relay something of Fujairah’s history identity and current cultural contribution. Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani and the dancers, musicians and technicians took full advantage of the opportunity and did the emirate proud.

The evening concluded with the ubiquitous fireworks display that punctuated the sky and got the festival off to a rip-roaring start.

Take a Look

Some photos from the Opening Ceremony can be seen in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Canon balls hitting the Fujairah fort!

Fujairah Municipality Shares in World Summit on Future Energy

Members of the Fujairah Municipality’s Department of General Services and the Department of the Environment participated in the World Summit on Future Energy which concluded yesterday in Abu Dhabi.

The Fujairah personnel shared in a number of meetings that addressed new energy solutions, clean energy, innovation, investment and visions for the future.

The Fujairah Municipality had a stand at the event that attracted the attention of a number of international dignitaries, heads of State and foreign diplomats, many of whom were eager to discuss ways they might be able to cooperate with the Municipality and explore investment opportunities in the emirate of Fujairah.

Geoff Pound

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