7th Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre to flag off on October 19

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

Dubai, UAE; September 30, 2013: The seventh edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), aimed at nurturing and promoting Emirati and UAE-based theatre talent, is set to flag off on October 19, 2013, at the Dubai Cultural & Scientific Association.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre will once again shine the light on the city's established and emerging theatric talent, serving as the ultimate platform to elevate the performing arts.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “The Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre has made significant strides over the last seven years. With each edition, the Festival has evolved to meet the needs of one of the region's oldest artforms, ensuring that we continue to preserve our proud heritage.

“After meeting with experts from the various artistic disciplines and taking into consideration the factors that were addressed at the sixth edition of the Festival, the Authority will be showcasing plays only in classical Arabic, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to nurture the Arabic language.”

In addition to showcasing the burgeoning theatre industry, Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre will once again open its doors to a wider audience by providing simultaneous translations of all the selected plays, giving them an inherent understanding of this region's intricate artform.

The Festival will also play its part in emphasising the educating audiences on the importance of understanding and genuinely appreciating theatre through critiquing sessions, which will be held after each performance.

The entries will be evaluated by the Festival's Selection & Supervision Committee, comprising veterans from the industry and representatives of Dubai Culture.

The Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre continues to be the definitive platform for aspiring theatric talent. From budding directors, playwrights and actors to technical professionals working on stage, costume, and lighting, and make-up artists, participate in the programme that are geared towards educating them on the various aspects of theatre production.