Artists gear up for epic show narrating history of Sharjah

More than 50 artists from the UAE and around the world are rehearsing and gearing up for the opening night of Narratives of the Place (Sard Al Makan) - an experiential theatrical show that beautifully blends poetry and narration and ancient and contemporary music with stunning visual effects.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) on Jan.25-26 and 28-29, 2022, at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre, the pre-show rehearsals have brought together acclaimed national and international performers in an immersive large-scale production that narrates the history of the emirate of Sharjah and its epic journey of achievements over the past 50 years.

The one-month-long rehearsals offer a peek into the unique aspects of the show as artists come together to co-ordinate their moves and perfect their choreography for both individual and group performances.

The artists practise their routines of energetic lifts and spins, and rhythmic acrobatics synchronised to melodious tunes, to improve their techniques and achieve seamless precision in movement and balance.

Some of the world-class artists and performers from the UAE, Canada, Brazil, the US, Cuba, France, Belgium and Slovenia, currently rehearsing at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, have won international recognition for their performances while others have served on the jury of several international festivals and competitions.

Some have also performed in Cirque du Soleil and Broadway, among other world-renowned shows.

To ensure the safety of attendees, strict preventive measures will be enforced in line with the UAE government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Tickets can be purchased on platinumlist.net.

Recently, the SGMB launched a social media campaign coinciding with the launch of Narratives of the Place, (Sard Al Makan) - an immersive and experiential theatrical show, which narrates the history of the emirate and its extraordinary journey and accomplishments.

The new campaign aims to collect and document memories of citizens and residents in Sharjah, and those from around the world who had been a witness or a partner in the cultural renaissance of the emirate.

Narratives of the Place is an artistic show that beautifully blends words, poetry, music, and performance arts brings to life people’s fond feelings for the emirate through its spectacular visual and theatrical aesthetics.

The SGMB has called on the public to share their memories and express their feelings towards Sharjah through text and photos, and video or audio recordings, on social networking sites using the hashtag #NarrativesOfThePlace.

The posts will be curated and published in a book titled, “For the love of Sharjah,” that will be launched at the upcoming 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, said: “Sharjah’s remarkable journey, which spans over 50 years under the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is a journey marked by exceptional achievements and milestones, and has helped elevate its stature in the international arena. We want the public to be a partner in this celebration through expressions of love for the emirate which has always prioritised the happiness and welfare of its citizens, residents and visitors. Sharjah’s extraordinary journey of growth is the journey of every individual who has lived on its land, and Narratives of the Place is an embodiment of the emirate’s monumental strides in development and its cultural achievements.”

He added: “We are excited to document the phenomenal biography of the emirate through the eyes and words of people who love the place. Every tale and story shared by people expressing their love for Sharjah will be collected, documented and published in a book, because the citizens, residents, and visitors of the emirate are an integral part of the story of Sharjah and its renaissance.”