Kalba Short Plays Festival Showcases Cutting-Edge Theatre Research
The 13th edition of Sharjah's prestigious festival advanced its programme with the 12th Theatre Research Forum, presenting four groundbreaking doctoral studies exploring the intersection of arts, semiotics and performance.
The Kalba Short Plays Festival’s fourth day brought together scholars and theatre professionals for the 12th Sharjah Theatre Research Forum, a significant platform for postgraduate academic research on Arab theatre. Ahmed Bourhima, Director of the Department of Theatre at the Department of Culture, joined festival leadership in overseeing presentations from researchers whose work addresses fundamental questions about theatrical practice and pedagogy.
Moroccan scholar Abdelrahim Salili opened proceedings with his doctoral thesis examining how theatre synthesises multiple art forms whilst preserving their distinct identities. Conducted at Ibn Tofail University, Salili’s research traced theoretical foundations from classical Aristotelian theatre through contemporary directorial practice, then demonstrated practical applications through analysis of experimental Arab performances, including works by acclaimed directors Salah Al-Qasab, Karim Rashid and Tayeb Saddiki. His conclusions suggest theatre functions as a universal medium capable of reinterpreting international and local artistic traditions through visual, acoustic and physical dimensions.
Tunisian researcher Asia Ashour presented complementary work on bodily semiotics within Syrian playwright Saadallah Wannous’s theatre. Employing semiotic methodology enriched by psychological and philosophical frameworks, Ashour’s study analysed how bodies generate meaning beyond language, examining three pivotal plays. Her research concluded that theatrical space and bodily signs effectively illuminate human fragmentation and the individual’s relationship with power, whilst affirming Wannous’s conviction linking personal freedom to bodily autonomy.
Saudi theatre researcher Nayef Al-Buqami examined the interplay between text and performance in works by Saudi dramatist Fahd Radda Al-Harthi. Through semiological analysis of two plays, Al-Buqami identified how textual thresholds and stage directions reflect political and social turbulence within Arab contexts, whilst theatrical time operates psychologically rather than chronologically. At scenographic levels, deliberate simplicity prioritises dialogue, with lighting, costumes and music collaboratively conveying psychological and intellectual dimensions.
Egyptian researcher Wissam Osama concluded the forum with an applied study addressing imagination development in pre-university theatre education. Working with 102 secondary and preparatory students, Osama identified scientific principles for cultivating innovative imagination through combined external tools—body, voice and improvisation—and internal psychological faculties. Her findings highlighted social and psychological obstacles, including fear and inadequate institutional support, as primary impediments to imaginative development.
Evening performances featured Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter, alongside an adaptation of Aziz Nesin’s The Taurus Monster. Actor Yassin Al-Dulaimi received the audience award for his performance in Pinter’s work, whilst international researchers led post-performance critical seminars, enriching dialogue between theory and practice.
Source: WAM