The Lebanon International Theater Festival awarded Sharjah's Ruler Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in recognition of his support for theater, culture, and Arab heritage.
The Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in recognition of his career and contributions to supporting theater and Arab culture, preserving heritage, and identity during the opening of the 13th edition of the Lebanon International Theater Festival in Beirut.
The Lebanese National Theater presented the award for the first time, honoring the efforts of the Ruler of Sharjah in strengthening the presence of Arab theater and supporting artists, cultural institutions, and theater initiatives in the region.
The "Tiro Association for Arts" and "Isambouli Theater" opened the 13th edition of the festival under the slogan "Theater is a Show That Carries the Concerns of Society," on the stage of the Lebanese National Theater in Beirut.
Artists and theater troupes from the UAE, Lebanon, Italy, Iraq, Algeria, Morocco, Greece, Palestine, Japan, Syria, Jordan, and Scotland participate in the edition.
The participating performances compete in the official competition for the awards for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Script, Best Scenography, Best Direction, and Best Integrated Work, in addition to the Jury Prize.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Director-General of the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ali El Samad, the representative of the Minister of Social Affairs, Sagher El Ghali, Clovis Atallah representing MP Sami Gemayel, Vanessa Espinoza representing the Mexican Embassy, and Elias Abi Aad representing the Government of Monaco.
Also participating were members of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Theater Authority, Emirati artist Dr. Habib Ghuloom and artist Rafik Ali Ahmed, the head of the Actors Union in Lebanon, Nehmeh Badawi, alongside representatives of the Palestinian and Russian embassies, and cultural, artistic, and media figures.
The founder of the Lebanese National Theater, actor and director Qassem Istambouli, affirmed that holding the festival emphasizes the importance of keeping theater doors open to people in both war and peace.
He pointed to the role of young volunteers in connecting Lebanese regions through the arts and opening cultural spaces to the public, considering that continuing cultural activities is a means to confront the repercussions of war through "cultural resistance".
The official competition's jury panel includes actress Julia Kassar, Jordanian director Khalid Al-Musallamani, Iranian actor and director Amir Shafie, actor Omar Mikaati, Dr. Qassem Qassem, and Lebanese writer and director Youssef Al-Raqa.
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