One of Bahrain’s oldest theatre groups has marked its debut performance in Moscow with a sold-out show.
From Monday until yesterday, nearly 1,500 people watched Al Sawari Theatre’s The Institution (Al Mo’assasa in Arabic) at the Yermolova Theatre during the ongoing 16th Chekhov International Theatre Festival.
“It is a huge honour for Bahraini theatre, and especially Al Sawari, to represent the kingdom for the first time at the festival,” Bahrain Theatres Union chairman and actor Mohamed Al Saffar told the GDN.
“We are very happy and proud to show Bahraini theatre to an audience that has never seen such a show.”
The play, which is inspired by Spanish writer Antonio Bueró Vallejo, has previously won four awards at the Bahrain Theatre Festival.
It touches on important issues about the value of human life, freedom and dignity of a person, regardless of race or religion.
The play is directed by Issa Alsindeed and stars Omar Alsaidi, Zakaria Alsheikh, Ahmed Saeed, Alia Ibrahim, AbdulRahman Ismail, Ali Abu Deeb, Kamel Albusaidi, and Youssef Abdulla.
The music is provided by Zakaria Sheikh.
“The play’s premise is one that suits all kinds of audiences and this is reflected in the performances, music and emotions despite the language barrier,” Al Sawari Theatre media committee head Noor Hameed told the GDN.
“The play had Russian translation during the show but most people didn’t need it as they were keenly watching the actors portray their emotions.
“The first show was almost full and we got really good reactions, resulting in the subsequent shows being sold out,” she added.
Al Sawari Theatre’s participation in the festival followed a Russian delegation’s visit to Bahrain in August last year.
“The delegation was hosted to experience Bahrain and its theatre scene,” said Mr Al Saffar.
“The delegation members attended theatre shows and rehearsals, including that of The Institution which was being prepared to be showcased at the Bahrain Theatre Festival.
“This resulted in the play being chosen to be a part of the Chekhov International Theatre Festival this year.”
Mr Al Safar hoped that more Russian delegations visited Bahrain.
“We hope to see more participations whether it is theatre, bands or individuals from Chekhov festival to participate in our local festival,” he said.
“This is also opening doors for more opportunities to represent Bahraini theatre; our local theatre productions are of high level.”
The Chekhov International Theatre Festival, first held in 1992, is the first and biggest international theatre event of this scale in Russia, and it is also among the best-known theatre forums in the world.
Al Sawari Theatre was founded in 1991.
&uuid=(email))