Honoring the Spirit of Theatre: Abdul Hamid Al Baloushi at the Kalba Short Plays Festival
The second day of the 12th annual Kalba Short Plays Festival unfolded with a notable open dialogue featuring the festival’s honoree, esteemed actor Abdul Hamid Al Baloushi. The session was artfully moderated by fellow actor Ali Al Shaloubi, while several prominent figures from the Arab and local theatre community, including Ahmed Bourhima, the Director of the Theatre Department and the Festival Director, were in attendance. Their presence underscored the collective commitment within the arts community to recognize the exceptional contributions of artists, particularly those hailing from the Eastern Region.
Shaloubi commenced the dialogue with a heartfelt tribute to Al Baloushi, commending both the festival’s dedication to celebrating regional talent and the pivotal role played by the Department of Culture in enriching the theatrical landscape. He expressed admiration for Al Baloushi’s prolific career, emphasizing that the actor’s enduring commitment to his craft and his myriad outstanding performances have rightfully earned him this prestigious recognition.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
The dialogue shifted to Al Baloushi’s formative years, during which he discovered his fervor for theatre as a child in the late 1970s. Despite his inherent shyness, he found joy in attending theatrical performances during national celebrations. With his talent blossoming, Al Baloushi took a significant leap in 1988 when he became a lead actor in “The Birds Build Their Nests.” This role played a pivotal role in launching his career, further solidified by his performance in “A Stranger in the Village” in 1994, which established him as one of the UAE’s most sought-after actors.
Reflecting on his early influences, Al Baloushi shared how his school environment galvanized his passion for the performing arts. He spoke candidly about his initial foray into theatre through school radio before fully dedicating himself to acting. Al Baloushi took a moment to acknowledge the invaluable mentorship of esteemed directors such as Dafallah Al Bashir and Hakeem Jassim, both of whom inspired him to view theatre as more than just art—it became his “second home.” It was clear that his passion for acting surpassed any other aspect of production, a sentiment that resonated deeply with his audience.
An Evening of Diverse Theatrical Expressions
As the festival progressed, the spotlight shifted to the evening performances, highlighting three remarkable plays that showcased a range of themes and styles. The first offering, “You Are Not a Neighbor,” was adapted from a work by Aziz Nesin and directed by Hamid Mohammed Abdullah. The play received accolades during the post-performance seminar, particularly from Tunisian actor Marwan Al-Salaawi, who praised its simplicity, the strong performances of the three-member cast, and the powerful staging that effectively conveyed its message.
Following this, the second play, “Cat in the Rain,” an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s work, was directed by George Kabi Afisa. This poignant piece examined a fragile marital relationship against the backdrop of a holiday setting. Egyptian actor Bassem Shaaban lauded the performance, particularly highlighting the effective utilization of the wife’s inner voice and movement to articulate feelings of confusion and loss, which allowed the audience to engage deeply with the characters’ emotional struggles.
The final performance of the evening was “Misunderstanding,” an adaptation from Dario Fo’s “The Virtuous Burglar,” masterfully directed by Hiba Deeb. The comedic essence of the play struck a chord with the audience, giving rise to laughter and enjoyment throughout the performance. Tunisian actress Nariman Al-Hershani commended the lively rhythm and humor that permeated the production, reinforcing the power of comedy in theatre to both entertain and provoke thought.
Looking Ahead: The Sharjah Theatre Research Forum
As the Kalba Short Plays Festival continues, anticipation builds for the upcoming 11th Sharjah Theatre Research Forum, scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. today. This event promises to foster academic dialogue and insight, featuring the work of five researchers from diverse backgrounds—including Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Iraq. The forum’s focus on scholarly discussion will add an enriching layer to the festival, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of theatre’s role in culture and society.
As the Kalba Short Plays Festival unfolds, it serves not only as a platform for celebration and recognition of individuals such as Al Baloushi but also as an essential gathering for those passionate about the arts, uniting various voices in the ongoing dialogue of creativity and expression.
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This careful intertwining of homage to artistic legacy with an exploration of contemporary themes showcases the vibrancy of cultural events occurring in the UAE. The recognition of artists like Abdul Hamid Al Baloushi becomes emblematic of the region’s dedication to nurturing and celebrating its artistic community, ensuring that their contributions are honored and enlivened through festivals such as this one.