A series of intensive theatre workshops, focusing on character acting, will be held beginning tomorrow until the end of July.
Organised by local thespian group Al Sawari Theatre, all are welcome to participate in the Arabic-language programme titled ‘How to Find a Character’.
Theatre and screen actor Ibrahim Khalfan will also be leading the workshops.
A theatrical production will be staged at the end of the course, and will give aspiring actors the opportunity to show off their newly-gained skills and get involved in the art scene.
“The programme focuses on teaching the tools of character analysis through a practical and interactive approach,” actor Omar Alsaeedi, who is responsible for training in Al Sawari Theatre, told the GDN.
“This includes learning through texts, along with the focusing on the body language, voice, psychology and social status of the character.
“It is part of Al Sawari’s continued efforts to cultivate and develop local theatrical talents, by offering an educational environment rooted in experimentation, observation and improvisation.”
Meanwhile, Mr Khalfan highlighted the importance of delving into one’s character, when it comes to stage productions as a whole.
“Finding the essence of the character should not be limited to the text, but also includes the actor’s awareness of their body, voice and reactions,” he told the GDN.
“This outlook calls for actors to think, analyse and observe, and stay away from traditional teaching methods, in order to build a shared knowledge base between actors.”
Mr Khalfan, who is the programme’s main instructor, has not only acted, but worked as assistant director in many iconic Bahrain TV shows from the 1990s.
“Since its establishment, Al Sawari has been a platform for experimenting and looking for something new, and has over the years held numerous courses as part of its vision.”
Last month, Al Sawari marked its debut performance in Moscow, staging a play in front of a sold-out crowd at the Yermolova Theatre.
Nearly 1,500 people watched The Institution (Al Mo’assasa, in Arabic) at the 16th Chekhov International Theatre Festival.
The play, which is inspired by Spanish writer Antonio Bueró Vallejo, has previously won four awards at the Bahrain Theatre Festival.
The 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.
In December, the group held its own festival – Al Sawari International Theatre Festival – in which four plays were staged, and last May launched a book club that is open for anyone to join.
After completing the ‘How to Find a Character’ course, participants will receive certificates.
Four workshops will be held per week, on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, in three-hour sessions from 7pm to 10pm.
For inquiry and registration, those who are interested can reach out to Mr Alsaeedi on 33212252.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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