Bodour fetes AUS for stage adaptation of Sultan’s work

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), recognised a team of students, alumni and faculty from AUS for their contributions to The Pawned Dagger, a theatrical adaptation of a literary work by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, during an on-campus award ceremony.

The production, performed on January 29, 2025, at Al Hisn Fort in downtown Sharjah, was staged as part of the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Sharjah Public Library, reinforcing the role of storytelling in cultural preservation and education.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “The creativity, dedication, and hard work of AUS students and faculty were at the heart of this production. Meeting them was a chance to recognise their achievements and encourage them to keep exploring the power of storytelling. Their commitment to bringing The Pawned Dagger to life reflects the important role of the arts in preserving our cultural heritage. I was pleased to present them with a commemorative silver coin marking the centenary of Sharjah’s first library as a small token of appreciation for their efforts in keeping the spirit of knowledge and creativity alive.”

Directed by Abishek Nair, Visiting Professor in the AUS Performing Arts Program, the adaptation focused on a key chapter from The Pawned Dagger, remaining true to its historical and cultural essence while engaging contemporary audiences.

The cast and crew included students from the AUS Performing Arts Programme in the College of Arts and Sciences, alongside students from other academic disciplines at AUS and Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.

“This performance was an opportunity for students to connect literature with lived history, performing in a space that mirrored the world of the story,” said Nair. “Bringing The Pawned Dagger to Al Hisn Fort created an experience that went beyond the stage, allowing students and audiences alike to engage with the cultural and historical significance of the work.”

The production required months of preparation, with rehearsals beginning in October 2024. Students and faculty spent four months refining the adaptation, developing stage direction and addressing the challenges of performing in a historical venue. Special adjustments were made to integrate acoustics, movement and historical preservation considerations into the performance.

“The centennial celebration of the Sharjah Public Library is a moment to reflect on the power of storytelling across generations,” said Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of the AUS College of Arts and Sciences. “By bringing The Pawned Dagger to life on stage, our students contributed to that legacy, transforming literature into performance while demonstrating how the arts and humanities shape our understanding of history, culture and identity. Their commitment to this adaptation is a testament to the role of AUS in nurturing talent and fostering a deep appreciation for the creative arts.”

Music played a key role in shaping the production, with a live interactive performance of traditional Arabic music throughout the play.

“Theatre offers students a distinctive way to engage with literature beyond the written word, and performing the work of our university’s founder, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, is a deeply enriching experience,” said Dr. Albert Agha, Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Performing Arts Programme at AUS. “This production encouraged students to interpret historical storytelling in a live setting, allowing them to develop skills in performance, collaboration and creative expression.”

To document the production and ensure future students can learn from this adaptation, the AUS library will house an archive of The Pawned Dagger, including scripts, behind-the-scenes materials and visual documentation.

As one of the few programmes of its kind in the region, the AUS Performing Arts Programme offers students opportunities to study music and theatre while gaining hands-on experience in both performance and technical production. Students from across the university’s academic disciplines regularly participate in concerts and theatrical productions, enhancing their creative and professional development. For more information on the programme, visit www.aus.edu/cas/performing-arts-program/about.