The Ministry of Education recently concluded the ninth school theatre festival ‘Culture and Empowerment’ in Muscat. The festival showcased seven theatrical performances from different governorates in Oman, with the play “Baleegh” from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate winning the first place. The festival aimed to provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents and develop their personality through theatre. The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Sports, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education.
During the ceremony, recommendations were made to enhance future editions of the festival, including adding group playing competitions, Omani folk arts, and student chanting. The importance of live broadcasting the festival to generate interest and deepen the culture of competitions among students was emphasized. The recommendations also focused on improving the performance of actors through training seminars and nurturing talent. The festival aimed to not only showcase the talents of students but also to enhance their skills and provide them with the necessary experiences to develop their personality.
The festival highlighted the outstanding performances of students in various categories, such as acting, make-up, costumes, music, sound effects, lighting, decoration, and scriptwriting. Awards were presented to students who excelled in their respective roles, with the play “Valley of the Rose” from Al Wusta Governorate winning the award for best theatrical make-up. The festival was a platform for students to showcase their creativity and talent in different aspects of theatre production, and to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.
The closing ceremony also saw the announcement of awards for best actress, best actor, best script, and best direction, among others. Winners included Mehr bint Mahfouz Al-Hakamani for best actress in a secondary role and Asaad bin Salem Al-Siyabi for best theatrical lighting. The festival recognized the efforts and talent of students and provided encouragement for them to continue pursuing their passion for theatre. The performances showcased cultural themes and Omani heritage, contributing to the development of the students’ artistic abilities and enriching the cultural landscape of Oman.
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Basil bin Ahmed Al-Rawas commended the Ministry of Education for its efforts in nurturing the talents of students and promoting theatrical arts in schools. He expressed his gratitude to the educational directorates, teachers, and supervisors for their contributions to the success of the festival. Al-Rawas emphasized the importance of such festivals in honing the abilities of students and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents. The festival received praise for its role in shining a light on the creativity and skill of students in Oman.
Saif bin Sulaiman Al-Jalandani, Director-General of Education in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, congratulated the students for their outstanding performance in the festival. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and integration between students, directors, and supervisors in achieving success. Al-Jalandani acknowledged the efforts of teachers, school administrations, and parents in supporting the students and contributing to their achievements. The victory in the festival was a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved in ensuring the success of the students in showcasing their talents on a larger platform.
