Sharjah Performing Arts Academy to conduct stage adaptation of Sheikh Sultan's play Nimrod on March 30

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), a world-leading performing arts education and training institution, is set to reopen its doors to the general public on 30 March 2022 with a triumphant celebration of music, drama and performance.

The re-opening, which coincides with the 60th edition of World Theatre Day taking place on 27 March 2022, invites guests to enjoy an entertaining evening of theatrical storytelling, as performers will tell the story of Nimrod, a play written by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

A historical cultural feat for the Arab world has been attained, as His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, released the first 17 volumes of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language – the first-of-its kind project to chronicle 17 centuries of development in the Arabic language, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

 The production is in Arabic and English.

The volumes were unveiled by the Sharjah Ruler during the opening ceremony of the milestone 40th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) held on Tuesday evening in Expo Centre Sharjah, in the presence of a host of Arab Ministers of culture; presidents of Arabic language academies in the region; and several Arabic language scholars and researchers.

The all-new production is directed by Professor Peter Barlow Executive Director, SPAA, who directs a cast and technical team comprising the Academy’s talented student body and faculty, alongside a team of creative collaborators. Through a blend of music, dance, and drama, the audience will be introduced to the Nimrod play, which explores themes of power, purpose and language in a thought-provoking performance. The production will give viewers an insight into the life of the historical figure Al-Nimrod (Nimrod) as he seizes power and claims divinity.

On 30 March 2022, SPAA will host a VIP Night, in addition to an exclusive post-show reception where invited guests can meet, engage, and interact with the Nimrod cast and crew. A second show will take place on 31 March 2022, inviting guests to experience an emotionally powerful performance.

Professor Peter Barlow Executive Director, SPAA, said, “We are thrilled to welcome guests to witness our performances once again. We marked the launch of our first-ever production at the Academy back in 2019 with a play entitled “The Book of Allah”, written by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It is an honour to re-open our doors and host a performance telling the tale of Nimrod, also written by His Highness. This production is special as it is the first time our students from all programmes and years have been involved in a public production. We have collaborated with the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait, creative professionals from Tunisia, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom to make this a truly international production.”

“ The production is in Arabic and English, and our partnership with the Arabic Language Academy made it possible for us to draw on the Centre’s expertise for linguistic consultation."

Aspiring performers, dancers, actors, designers, technicians and stage managers seeking a launchpad to kickstart their professional careers can apply to SPAA’s Bachelor of Arts programmes in Acting, Production Arts, and Musical Theatre. Admissions for the Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance are also open.

Tickets are available on EventBrite and are on a complimentary basis. SPAA places the health and safety of visitors and staff as the topmost priority and so guests will be required to present a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app to secure entry into the Academy.

For more information about Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, visit: www.spaa.ae

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is a world-class facility galvanising communities, showcasing local and international creative talent, and leading the way in higher education for professional performing arts. Opened in 2019, and born from the progressive vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, SPAA is the only Academy of its kind in the Middle East. SPAA offers the opportunity for candidates to study full-time Bachelor degrees in Acting, Production Arts and Musical Theatre, in addition to the Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, with programmes led by highly qualified professionals and educators using intensive, practice-based training. Through the generosity of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, fully funded scholarships are available for eligible students each academic year.

2022 Admissions are now open.

Email: [email protected] Website: www.spaa.ae