(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The inauguration of the new theatre on Flag Island is part of the second phase of the development that commenced last June.
A scene from Country of Innovation staged after the opening of the theatre on Flag Island in Sharjah on Wednesday. — KT photos by M. Sajjad
As part of the 43rd UAE National Day celebrations the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) inaugurated the new theatre on Flag Island in the emirate on Tuesday. On the inauguration night a musical play titled Country of Innovation was screened which drew in large crowds.
The inauguration of the new theatre on Flag Island is part of the second phase of the development that commenced last June. The aim is to transform the island into an attractive tourist destination.
The new indoor theatre has a capacity of 1000 spectators which can be increased to 2000 on special occasions.
The musical play screened on Tuesday was penned by national poet Ali Al Khawar and composed by Khalid Nasser. The show was directed by Hassan Rajab; written by Ismail Abdullah chairman of the UAE Theatrical Association; and choreographed by Fahad Omar.
The musical started with a UAE flag-themed floodlight and Emirati folklore songs that reflected the Emiratis’ pride of their flag. The giant screens beamed with images of the glory of the past and the special moments that led to the creation of the Union with the hoisting of the flag for the first time at Al Diyafa Palace in Dubai. The play underscored the country’s generosity to its citizens brothers and friends for the last four decades.
The second act of the musical presented a family dialogue in an Emirati household between a husband his wife and their two children about the Spirit of the Union. They talked about the historic meeting of the founding leaders and their announcement of the foundation of the UAE. The dialogues explored a range of themes such as splendour glory pride love unity and achievement.
At the end of the act singers praised the ‘happiest people in the world’ and described how seven hearts were united and the spirit of the Union was shaped.
The third act presented the UAE as a country known for its philanthropy. Members of the family came together on stage to speak about the humanitarian roles of the UAE all over the world. In their songs singers described the UAE as a home of love kindness and charity.
The musical culminated in the fourth act which showed the UAE youth’s zeal and eagerness to join the national service in expression of affinity and loyalty to their nation and enthusiasm to defend the country. The musical concluded with the UAE national anthem in expression of the UAE people’s pride of their national identity.
Soon after the curtain came down spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky. -newskhaleejtimes.com