LOOKING INTO THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF SCHOOL THEATRE ON KIDS
Amid an eager audience comprising students, parents and educators, the Governorate of Al Sharqiyah South unveiled a captivating theatrical production titled “Aqibat Al Tama’a” or The Consequence of Greed.
Ali al Alawi, one of the participating students said, “The performance embodies the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, while also satirising those who consider themselves clever and believe they can benefit from the power struggles, much like the slave Jaber, who conveyed a message without knowing its content, driven by greed to marry the slave girl Zumurda, unaware that the price would be his head.”
Khalid al Arimi, who played the role of the guard, said, “We trained for this performance for four months, during which we enjoyed ourselves immensely and developed many qualities, especially self-confidence, despite the pressure we felt before the show. This experience, we will never forget.”
For the Governorate of Al Batinah North, they presented a play called ‘Wadi Al Hakayat’ or the Valley of Tales.
Issac bin Elias al Maamari, one of the key characters in the play, said, “In the play, I portrayed Soheil’s father. The story centred on Soheil, a boy who was afraid of valleys and swimming pools. One day, two children got trapped, and despite his fear, Soheil bravely attempted to rescue them. He ventured into the valley and vanished without a trace, leaving uncertainty about his fate. His father embarked on a search for him and encountered a character named ‘Huboub,’ symbolising the unpredictable weather conditions. Their dialogue added depth to the narrative.”
He added, “We also tried to highlight the role of Omanis and their unity in such situations through our colleagues who participated in the chorus of the performance.”
Turki al Maamari, who played the role of Soheil in the performance, said, “It was quite hard to put my feelings into words and I’d been having it since early morning of the performance. I felt nervous and scared, but I also felt excited at the same time. However, the fear started to dissipate after I delivered my first lines in the show and after the applause of the audience.” Student Ahmed al Balushi also shared the same sentiment.
Nine-year-old Turki bin Ali al Balushi was very pleased with the performances, saying he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“The students excelled in presenting this theatrical performance, which I enjoyed with my family. I admired their confidence and that they were not tense. I hope to participate in one of the shows someday. I also liked their costumes, which depicted the valley, and I liked the music they played on stage,” he shared.
Actress Samira al Wahibi, a member of the judging committee, said that it was a great joy to see the performances, but beyond that, she was pleased that students were taking the courage to perform.
“Beyond judging the performances, I was hoping to discover new talents and creative potentials through the shows that will be presented. School festivals are very important because they allow us to discover students’ interests and inclinations. Theatre is not just acting; it involves costumes, set design, makeup and other artistic specialities where students can find themselves. Therefore, the theatre is the mother of all arts,” she said.
Emirati artist Marai al Halyan said that the good number of male and female participants sends a clear message that younger people are eager to join such activities.
“I am happy to be part of this beautiful event where we see a large gathering of male and female students in a theatrical forum at the national level,” she said.
She added, “The importance of theatre lies in shaping personalities to be able to communicate with audiences, to overcome shyness and to help students participate. Through it, they can learn a lot about the arts and aesthetics. Additionally, it gives them the courage to address societal issues and discuss them, providing them with an opportunity to express themselves.”
“In advanced countries that have preceded us in this aspect, school theatre is heavily relied upon in character building. Many introverted students have begun to be treated through theatre, as it has become a form of psychological therapy. Moreover, theatre nurtures children’s artistic tastes,” she added.
Al Halyan further stated, “We all started in school theatre, and from there, many poets and writers emerged. We believe it is one of the most important things because it encompasses all arts and literature.”
Artist Jasim al Batashi, another member of the judging committee, said, “School theatrical festivals are particularly important in establishing a theatrical generation of artists in the Sultanate of Oman. We all went through this stage, and that’s where our beginnings were. Through school and its focus on talent, whether in acting, writing, directing or set design, this step is important. We hope this festival continues because its continuity means a source for artistic and theatrical movement in Oman, and the emergence of new faces and personalities in the artistic scene, which will benefit the artistic and media community in Oman.”
Writer Mohammed Khalfan emphasised the importance of attending feedback sessions, saying, “The student’s attendance at critique sessions is important. Firstly, it’s a culture and a learning experience, seeing how people speak and how they view the performance, what aspects they focus on, and the observations they provide to enhance and develop the work.”
He added, “Critique sessions can also introduce us to a group of young people who understand and learn the art of theatrical criticism, and at the very least if they don’t continue, they will pursue theatrical studies in the field of criticism. It’s important for me that when a student comes to the theatre and then to the introductory session, it’s a sign that we will later find a group of young people or even an entire nation that is cultured. There is a saying that is often repeated, one of the beautiful sayings that say, ‘Give me a theatre, and I’ll give you an educated nation.’ It manifests in this presence.”