Latest news with #SPAA
Sharjah 24
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Al-Masrah Magazine: Global theatre insights and developments
new building for Theatrical Association The introduction to the issue starts a report on the graduation ceremony of the third batch of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA). It also includes statements from a number of Emirati artists expressing their deep gratitude and appreciation for the new grant bestowed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by allocating a six-story building in the Al Taawun area to the Theatrical Association. The same section includes a survey on the progress of the Kalba Short Plays Festival, marking its twelfth edition, which will be held next September. Reviews "Readings" section includes a number of reviews of theatrical performances recently held in Arab capitals. Mohamed Laaziz wrote about "Remains," the latest work by Moroccan director Mohamed Farkani; Al-Hussam Mohieddine reviewed "Media" by Lebanese director Chris Ghafri; Abdelkarim Kadri analysed "Al-Saqiya" by Algerian director Soumaya Bounab; Samer Mohamed Ismail wrote about "To Prepare a Boiled Egg" by Kuwaiti director Musab Al-Salem; and Kamal Al-Shihawi wrote about "Jacaranda" by Tunisian director Nizar Al-Saidi. Mahmoud Abu Doma In the "Dialogue" section, the magazine published an interview with Egyptian writer, researcher, and director Mahmoud Abu Doma, in which he spoke about his beginnings, the cultural and academic influences that shaped his personality, his efforts in experimenting with independent theatre in Alexandria, and the most prominent issues facing theatrical thought at the local and Arab levels. Interviews "Horizons" includes an interview with the young Tunisian artist Marwa Al-Mansouri, who has achieved a remarkable presence in the local scene as a theatrical costume designer, appearing in numerous successful theatrical productions, most notably the works of director Fadel Jaibi. The "Follow-ups" section covers a short interview with Tunisian critic Fawzia Al-Mizzi, in which she discusses the experience of establishing a theatre critics' association and the most prominent challenges and potentials of new theatre criticism experiments. The section also highlights Naguib Mahfouz's theatre and its intellectual orientations, marking the thirtieth anniversary of his death. Readings In "Readings," Alaa Al-Jabri analyses the book "Brecht in Gulf Theatre" by Iraqi writer Dhafer Jalloud. In "Visions," Walid Al-Daghsni writes "Short Plays from Concept to Realisation," and Hussam Al-Masoudi writes "Short Texts: The Future of Contemporary Drama." In "Travels," Sherif Al-Shafei recounts his journey to the French city, Lodève and the US Bridgewater. Letters includes reports on theatrical activities in Sharjah, Algiers, Rabat, and Stockholm.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
12th Theatre Architecture Competition winners and finalists announced
Sharjah, UAE: The winners and finalists of the Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC) taking place during World Stage Design (WSD) 2025 from 18-25 October in Sharjah, UAE has been announced. This is the 12th edition of the competition with the theme ' Theatre of Possibilities' and co-organised by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the International Organisation of Scenographers Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT) Architecture Commission. Charcoalblue – a globally reputed theatre, acoustic, and experience consultancy service is the sponsor of the Competition this year which received 50 entries from 17 countries around the world. The site for TAC is Bait Obaid Al Shamsi - the large two-storey building with a central courtyard which used to be a house was built around 1845 for merchant Obaid Bin Hamad Al Shamsi. Renovated in the late 1990s, the building is presently managed by the Sharjah Art Foundation and hosts a series of artists' studios and events. Participants had to submit ideas for a flexible structure to transform the central courtyard into a new 100-seat temporary performance space, but which also deals with the site's specific climate. The proposals had to also consider the heritage of the venue and the region, sustainability and to offer a maximum construction and dismantling time of no more than three days. The first, second and third place winners are: Kuo, Chun-Hao, Taiwan - The Dynamic Fold Janae Van Panahon, New Zealand - Diwaniyat Al-Masrah: Theatre's Gathering Cynthia Bou Chebl, Lebanon - The Crossroads Theater Additional prizes: Zachary Wong, Hong Kong - Wanderer Vladislav Dudyrev and Aleksei Vorobev, Russian Federation - AL-BAYT THEATRE The list of finalists is here: 'We were delighted to receive so many compelling entries for TAC. The proposals were brilliant and beautiful which made the jurying process tough and exciting. Congratulations to the winners and finalists. We look forward to showcasing these incredible architecture design proposals at Bait Al Shamsi during WSD 2025. I extend a warm welcome to all professional and emerging architects in the region to come see this exhibition and attend the Middle East debut of World Stage Design', said Jacqui George, Project Director, WSD 2025. Tickets for WSD 2025 is available here: PR & Partnerships Officer: Ancy Alexander Email: ancyalexander@ About Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is the only dedicated performing arts academy in the Middle East, offering comprehensive education in both performing and production arts. SPAA trains students for various roles, from actors and dancers to stage managers and scenic designers, preparing them for success in the competitive global industry. The Academy's mission is to develop confident, creative professionals who can lead and collaborate in any global context. About OISTAT OISTAT was founded in Prague in 1968. It stands for 'Organisation Internationale des Scénographes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre' in French, and 'International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians' in English. OISTAT is a global network for theatre practitioners celebrating design, technology and architecture in live performances.
The National
06-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Global creatives grab spotlight as Sharjah prepares to host performance design ‘Olympics'
Many of the most creative people in the world of theatre will make their way to the UAE this autumn as stars of the backstage enter the spotlight. Sharjah is to become the first destination in the Middle East to host the prestigious World Stage Design - the only designer-based event to showcase and celebrate performance design from individual creatives. It takes place every four years, with previous events being held in Toronto, Seoul, Cardiff, Taipei and Calgary. This time, WSD is happening from October 18 to 25 at centres in Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and other sites across the city. The event features international designers - established and emerging in the business - and draws theatre lovers through to those aspiring to work in the industry. Sharjah will host WSD's sixth event under the theme Tomorrow's Heritage - the idea being that tomorrow's heritage is today's exploration. Jacqui George is the project director. A former SPAA programme leader and deputy director, she pitched Sharjah for WSD 2025. 'We've been calling it the expo of design, because we had Expo 2020 on our doorstep when we pitched and it's the kind of nearest comparative,' she says. 'It's been a long build-up, but there's so much detail and so many different components to it.' WSD brings an often under-celebrated cache of theatre talent into the limelight and will showcase designers across performance design, space and object design, set design, sound design, costume design, lighting design and video. 'We get used to working on our own in theatre and other creative sectors,' Ms George says. 'My background is stage and production management and I know other stage and production managers, but I never really worked with them because you get one on a show and then you go on to your next. 'So, World Stage Design is where all of these international professional designers from all the different disciplines, lighting to sound to costume to set, come together to display the best work.' WSD 2025 will also include a series of discussions, panels, masterclasses, workshops, and performances, with participants flying in from around the world. The event has four key segments. Twelve months ago, organisers opened applications for the World Stage Design Exhibition, inviting professionals to emerging designers covering any production design technique, from lighting to puppets. 'We received over 1,000 submissions from across the globe and we had two panels, which comprised 16 international jury members, that shortlisted them,' says Ms George. 'In the academy building over the eight days, we'll have 100 designers coming from across the world to exhibit their actual work and, on the penultimate evening, we'll award first, second and third in each category.' Meanwhile, the results of the Theatre Architecture Competition will take place at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a historic location chosen in co-ordination with Sharjah Art Foundation. It will showcase ideas for a 100-seat performance space fulfilling the Tomorrow's Heritage brief alongside sustainable theatre making. Entries were received from more than 50 countries, with those selected to have their creations realised in the heritage house setting announced in June. Entries for the Technical Invention Prize close in July. It showcases ideas and inventions developed by technicians in the entertainment industry that support theatre production, possibly by solving a problem such as making it rain paper on stage. Twenty finalists will be exhibited at venue partner Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park with their ideas potentially future innovation and implementation. WSD is being co-produced by the International Organisation of Scenographers Theatre Architects and Technicians and SPAA. Previous events have drawn up to 12,000 participants, from a mix of disciplines and interests, to showcase, entertain, learn and network. 'We're aiming for really healthy engagement, including bringing in new theatre audiences,' says Ms George. 'People who maybe go and enjoy theatre … it's absolutely something for them as well because when we go to the theatre or see a live event and the amazing lighting, or video, incredible costumes, we don't always think about what happens to get that stuff there, what that process is and the people involved.' That element will also be well showcased by Scenofest, the dynamic 'festival' strand of WSD 2025. It incorporates talks, workshops, masterclasses, performances and live installations, taking place in all the locations mentioned and other areas of Sharjah. Workshops will include how to light a puppetry performance, with a Hong Kong puppetmaster, and another for costume design using recycled or reusable materials. 'Whether you've never been in a design process or thought about it for theatre, or you are a complete expert doing it for 20 years, there's something in the Scenofest programme for everyone,' says Ms George. 'One of our keynotes is an international designer who works all over the world on very large projects, in the region as well, but then we also show you how to make a show and put it in the boot of your car. 'Even if you don't want to do a workshop or masterclass and just want to see some good, different theatre, there are performances from New Zealand, Nigeria, Hungary, Hong Kong, all over the world, throughout the week.' Beyond the international theatre community, the WSD project director hopes the event will impact the UAE's burgeoning theatre industry and maybe better unite local theatre practitioners. 'It's also about showcasing what's happening here as those specialists are here, but I don't think the rest of the world knows about it enough,' says Ms George. 'Because this is going to be the first time World Stage Design is in this region, hopefully it might trigger and spark interest and enthusiasm for the genre. 'The theatre ecology here is young. Maybe it hasn't grown as quickly as some other sectors, but there's a huge richness about the work that's being made.' Ms George also hopes younger WSD visitors might be inspired to explore careers in show business other than acting or singing, maybe in a role where there is a skills shortage. 'A challenge the industry faces on an international level, not just here, is unless you get engagement and interest at a young age, a career opportunity doesn't really present itself,' she says. 'You don't hear many young people going, 'I'm going to be a lighting designer', but if you look at the opportunities and the career it gives you…if World Stage Design can highlight to a younger generation all of these really viable careers, then that'll be a massive tick for me as well.'
Sharjah 24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
German Exhibition at SPAA
The event was attended by Mrs Ute Brunn, Deputy Consul General. The exhibition showcases the artistic works of Armin Mueller-Stahl, a world-renowned German actor, writer, artist, and violinist. Mueller-Stahl's portraits celebrate the intellectual and cultural contributions of notable German figures and talents in the arts, sciences and politics. The exhibition is now open to the public and will remain on display at the Academy until 16 May 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the rich tapestry of German intellectual heritage. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to explore the diverse array of artworks that highlight the intersection of art and intellect. SPAA, located in Sharjah's University City, continues to serve as a hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression, fostering collaborations that bridge communities and celebrate global heritage.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
World Stage Design 2025 secures key global and local partnerships ahead of Middle East Debut
UAE: World Stage Design (WSD) 2025, which will take place in Sharjah, UAE, from October 18-25, 2025, has secured key partnerships with leading local and international organizations. WSD is the 'Expo' for the global performance industry, occurring once every four years. WSD is the only international event that showcases excellence in performance design from individual designers. This year marks its sixth edition and the first-ever in the Middle East. WSD is co-produced by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT). The event is supported by the Department of Culture Sharjah and the Ministry of Culture Taiwan. Onboard as the Official Build Partner of WSD, are Taylex Group Middle East, a creative solutions production company at the heart of the Live Events, Exhibitions, and Brand Experience industry. As the region's exclusive beMaster partner for beMatrix, the leading sustainable frame system, they offer a smarter approach to event construction. Taylex Group Middle East will provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional custom-builds for exhibition stands. This solution allows designers and participants to place sustainability at the forefront without compromising creativity. International logistics consultant EFM Global is the Official Logistics Partner. The partnership offers special rates to participants bringing their work and performances at WSD2025 to get materials transported safely and efficiently from their location to Sharjah. Charcoalblue – a globally reputed theatre, acoustic, and experience consultancy service – is the sponsor of the Theatre Architecture Competition. Entries closed on 14th April, and the competition received submissions from over 50 countries. First Star Computer, Sapsis Rigging, and ShowTex are the first, second, and third prize sponsors, respectively, of the Technical Invention Prize. The competition is free to enter and open for submissions from technicians who have developed a gadget or solution for the live events industry. WSD2025 features a Design Exhibition, Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC), the Technical Invention Prize (TIP), and Scenofest - a celebration of scenography with a wide range of seminars, workshops, performances, and presentations by theatre practitioners and artists. About Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is the only dedicated performing arts academy in the Middle East, offering comprehensive education in both performing and production arts. SPAA trains students for various roles, from actors and dancers to stage managers and scenic designers, preparing them for success in the competitive global industry. The Academy's mission is to develop confident, creative professionals who can lead and collaborate in any global context. About OISTAT OISTAT was founded in Prague in 1968. It stands for 'Organisation Internationale des Scénographes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre' in French, and 'International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians' in English. OISTAT is a global network for theatre practitioners celebrating design, technology and architecture in live performances.
