Arab Theatre Institute signs MoU with Sajaya Young Ladies

The Arab Theatre Institute (ATI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah to support and nurture talented young ladies in performing arts and improve their artistic skills, contributing to preparing a new generation of creative female theatre artists.

The MoU aims to enhance community awareness about the importance of theatre as a free platform for expression and dialogue and develop the Arab theatre by empowering it with promising young talent in line with the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperation between the two entities in creating a platform for promising young talent and arming them with the necessary skills and experience to excel, with the help of the most experienced professional theatre artists in the Arab region.

The agreement was signed by Ismail Abdullah, Secretary General of the Arab Theatre Authority, and Fatima Abbas Al Hosani, Assistant Director for Programs and Events, on behalf of Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah.

The MoU comes as part of efforts and pursuit for the complementary roles of cultural institutions and fruitful cooperation among them in order to raise the profile of the UAE and Arab society, as well as to introduce, influence and support talented young ladies in the art of theatre to create a balanced society that respects theatre as a platform and tool for expression and dialogue and as a podium for personal and professional development.

Under the MoU, ATI will support Sajaya's talented young ladies by engaging them in local and Arab theatrical events and mentoring them through training programs and drama workshops, in addition to raising awareness about the art of theatre, in harmony with the goals and aspirations for development strategies ATI will also support highly talented young ladies and help them in publishing their work in accordance with the established literary criteria. The Arab Theatre Authority and Sajaya Young Ladies will also cooperate in establishing a theatre festival for young ladies aged 12-18 years.

Fatima Abbas Al Hosani, Assistant Manager for Programs and Events in SYLS, said: "The MOU between our Sajaya and the Arab Theatre Authority will help in creating a platform for Sajaya's promising young talents and arm them with the necessary skills and experience, with the help of the region's most professional theatre artists and mentors. It will also provide them with an environment that stimulates their creativity to lead in creative arts, align with the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to develop the Arab theatre by providing it with creative young talents."

She emphasised that Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah is committed to develop the creative talents of young ladies, in keeping with the directives of Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

"We are eager to support young Emirati talents in various fields of theatre, art, music, culture, science, inventions , photography and sports to help them in choosing their future careers, thus contributing to develop qualified national cadres to work in innovative areas, such as performing arts," Aisha Al Qasimi Fatima Al Hosani added.

Ismail Abdullah, ATI Secretary General, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the institute and Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah develop the local theatrical scene and provide it with creative young talents.

He added that ATI is an entity dedicated to stimulate and develop performing arts in Arab countries, where it gives special attention to younger generations by focusing on developing school theatre and children's and youth theatre.

Abdullah pointed out that the authority's main objective is to create an iconic generation, attached with his historical, social and cultural roots, yet are fully aware of changes taking place in the world. "We also aim to develop the artistic taste and cultural sense among younger generations and raising community awareness about the importance of performing arts," he said.

The ATI Secretary General went on to say: "We are very pleased to cooperate with Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and we are committed to engaging Sajaya's talented young ladies in performing arts programs and workshops, and also giving them the opportunity to participate in local and Arab theatrical activities and festivals, to enable them to benefit from the Arab expertise- which is consistent with Sajaya's objective, and at the same time consistent with ATI's capacities and experiences."