Participate in the Riwaq al Fikr – ADMAF Talk Symposium next Saturday, beginning at 10:00am at the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy. As a start, Peter Barlow, Director of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, opens with a masterclass, providing a topical dive into contemporary actor training and directing techniques, which will lead all in attendance to encouraging and new insights.

Following this, a panel conversation will take place concerning the future of professional performing arts in the UAE. The panel will be hosted by Peter Barlow, and include conversation with some key professionals, namely: Reem al Menhali, Emirati performance artist and playwright; Mona Kashoggi, an established theatre and film producer; Dr. Muna Obaid Al Suwaidi, Ministry of Culture advisor; Ahmed Almazmi, recent SPAA graduate; Beata Stankevic, Cultural Programs Coordinator, The Geothe Institute Abu Dhabi; and Stuart Every from Dolphin Entertainment. This discussion will involve the current landscape, what is new, and the difficulties for the professional UAE performing arts industry.

In the afternoon, there will be a masterclass on Musical Theatre in the MENA Region – led by Paul Spicer, Programme Leader for Musical Theatre, with an introduction by Professors Heather Davies (Programme Leader Postgraduate Studies) and Dr. Kathleen Bell, (Lead Tutor Research and Singing). The masterclass will explore growth, performance trends, and specific characteristics of musical theatre in the region.

The symposium will end with a networking session – mingle with the professionals you have heard from and participate in a discussion on future collaborations. This chance to join with the leaders of the performing arts and contribute to the vibrant cultural scene that exists in the UAE is a not-to-be-missed opportunity.