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Peter Brook Praises the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival
Sunday 08 January, 2012
English theatre director, Peter Brook; the first winner of the Fujairah Award for Theatre Creativity said that the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival is regarded in France and all over the world as one of the well-known and highly esteemed international theatre festivals. He added that the Festival is a sought-after destination for some of the world's most important theatrical events and renowned theatre personalities.
Brook's statement came as he received the invitation extended to him by the delegation of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, on the occasion of winning the Fujairah Award for Theatre Creativity. The award ceremony will be held on the sidelines of the 5th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, which will run from January 20-28, 2012. The delegation, which consisted of which consists of His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani; Vice Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and Engineer Mohammed Saif Al Afkham; the Festival's Director, had handed the invitation to the leading theatre director, who welcomed it and stressed that he will surely be present to receive this great honor, which is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Moreover, Brook, who met with the Festival's delegation at the world famous Odeon Theatre in Paris, expressed his happiness with this great honor, saying that it brings him joy amidst the defeats witnessed by the world today, which leave a negative impact on human beings wherever they might be in the vast universe. Brook also pointed out that he wishes to have an open workshop in Fujairah, in preparation of organizing a major cultural and theatrical project in the near future. In addition, he stressed that he has heard positive news about the progress of the theatrical scene in Fujairah, from Fujairah theatre artists whom he had met in France and all over the world, and said he also heard a great deal about the enchanting beauty of nature in this emirate and the kindness of its people and their openness to the world. Brook jokingly commented that he has never lived in the barren naked mountains or their high peaks and wished he could spend a few nights in the mountains of Fujairah. Finally, he wished the Festival more and more success, and concluded: "May the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival always be in the lead, and stay at the top, just like the Fujairah Mountains where it is found, for theatre is an art that deserves to always be at the top."
On the other hand, the head of the delegation; Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, pointed out that Peter Brook has chosen Fujairah over many international invitations to honor him as he is one of the most controversial thespians in the world. Al Dhanhani added that Brook chose Fujairah for many reasons related to his desire to learn more about the creative achievements of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival; which is regarded as a distinct theatrical landmark in the Middle East and the UAE.
Furthermore, the Festival's Director; Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, said that the delegation were amazed by Brook's wealth of information on Arab Culture, the Holy Quran, the tolerance of Islam, and Arab art, noting that he is one of biggest fans of Um Kulthoom's voice. Al Afkham also added that his son will accompany him on his visit to Fujairah, as well as a delegation comprising his most important assistants. He also said that Brook has promised the guests of the Festival's guests a surprise, which he did not disclose.
A short documentary was filmed about the life of Peter Brook, the plays he directed, and his contributions to the international theatre scene. The documentary, which will be screened at the festival, was filmed by Iad Khazouz who accompanied the delegation with his filming equipment and crew.
