'Khalid bin Hamad Theatre Award festival boosts creativity'

Manama, Nov. 29 (BNA): The festival shows of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Athletics Association, Theatre Award for National Clubs, Youth Center and People with Disabilities ended with twelve shows that witnessed a large audience attendance and interaction, as they filled Isa Town Club hall to capacity with some standing up so they do not miss the opportunity of watching the shows. The Award is organized by the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Media Office of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at Isa Town Cultural and Sports Club Hall, with the slogan #Painting_A_Smile. The festival is sponsored by: Tamkeen, Batelco, BANAGAS, Coca Cola, Al Hawaj, GPIC, Majestic Cars, Economic Development Board, Bapco, Palace Enterprises, Gulf University, Nissan, Yousif bin Ahmed Kanoo and Gadooa. Everyone is waiting for the closing ceremony that will be held under the auspices of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa next Saturday. The event will include the announcement of the results and crowning ceremony of the winners. Al Asoomi praises the Khalid bin Hamad festival MP Adel Al Asoomi, stressed that the second edition of the Khalid bin Hamad Theatre Award festival consolidates theatre work and restores cultural activities for Youth Centers and National Clubs, making it one of the best awards presented for the youth of Bahrain. The award attracts creative youth in the theatre art scene and the step to integrate people with disabilities is a humanitarian initiative. Al Asoomi pointed out that the Khalid bin Hamad Theatre Award is one of the most important cultural gatherings that provides Bahraini youth a space to showcase their abilities and talents on stage. The award has opened paths for creative, thinking and aspirations to create a sophisticated youth movement that depends on renewal, an educational approach, and theatrical frame and acting as theatre is one of the arts that directly delivers messages which aim to solve issues in society, he added. Al Asoomi further explained that the awards targeting Bahraini youth are appreciated and cherished by everyone, and thanked HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for this initative. Al Asoomi thanked the organizing committee for their efforts in making the festival appear in the best image possible. Qambar: "Gadooa" pays great attention to the Festival Owner of "Gadooa" stores, Thabit Qambar, explained that the sponsorship provided to the Khalid bin Hamad Youth Theatre Festival comes within the framework of the great attention given by the store to the artistic youth festival. Qambar said that His Highness’ Youth Theatre Festival has become a destination for many Bahraini youth interested in the field of art in general, and theater in particular. He pointed out that this movement must be accompanied by great support from various authorities in the Kingdom. He explained that providing support and sponsorship is a given, especially since government and private institutions hold a great deal of responsibility in providing ways to ensure the success of these events considered as a source of many artistic youth talents on the stage. Qambar confirmed that the guidance and patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa comes within the framework of His Highness’ interest in youth. He pointed out that "Gadooa" will constantly be an enthusiastic presence in events supported by His Highness, especially through his continued initiatives towards youth, who are an integral part of society. He further stressed upon the importance of concerted efforts between various relevant authorities to provide proper sponsorship for youth, providing them with adequate room to be creative and shine on stage. Janahi: "Tamkeen" eager to support the youth sector CEO of "Tamkeen" Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi asserted that "Tamkeen" believes in the noble messages of the Khalid bin Hamad Youth Theatre Festival. He said that "Tamkeen" is constantly keen to support the youth sector in various fields and elaborated that "Tamkeen" shoulders a great societal responsibility in supporting the youth category, which constitutes a large proportion of Bahraini society. Youth Theater has been absent in past periods, he noted and highlighted that His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s directive to support the festival confirms the great importance of support and sponsorship of such festivals. Janahi asserted that "Tamkeen" will continue to support this festival by all available means, noting that the event has become a location for the discovery of various talents in youth theatre. He said that, "we need to continue these activities, and announce our total readiness to support and to provide reasons for their success." Youth theater will be the first beneficiary in the Kingdom through the support of this youth category which has participated in the festival performances, especially with the emergence of many artistic talents in the art of theatre, Janahi added. He further emphasized at the conclusion of his speech that "Tamkeen" will always be a pioneer in sponsorship, especially given its great faith in the role played by youth in the elevation of society.