The 38th edition of the Doha Theatre Festival officially commenced on June 22 at Al Mayassa Theatre, located within the Qatar National Convention Centre. Organised by the Ministry of Culture through its Theatre Affairs Center, the four-day event showcases theatrical productions exclusively from local companies, reaffirming the festival’s role as a key platform for nurturing Qatar’s theatre scene.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mubarak bin Abdullah al-Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, alongside ministry officials, theatre practitioners, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. The festival has long been recognised for its contribution to enriching Qatar’s cultural landscape by promoting new creative expressions and fortifying theatre as a vital artistic medium within the country.

Abdulrahman al-Dulaimi, Director of the Culture and Arts Department at the Ministry of Culture, spoke on the enduring relevance of theatre, describing it as “the father of the arts” due to its historical ability to capture and communicate the breadth of human experience. He highlighted theatre’s adaptability to social and technological changes while maintaining its essential character and appeal. Al-Dulaimi further noted the evolving function of theatre—not only as a reflection of contemporary life but also as an active agent shaping public awareness and future discourse. He emphasised the need for artists, critics, and writers to re-examine their roles as influential voices capable of critically engaging with and reimagining reality.

Abdulrahim al-Sadiqi, Director of the Theatre Affairs Center, underscored the festival’s significance in demonstrating theatre’s continuing dynamism and resilience. He expressed optimism that this year’s presentations and dialogues would foster appreciation for creativity and stimulate inspiring ideas. Al-Sadiqi also remarked that the lasting cultural impact of such festivals depends on their ability to sustain meaningful connections between audiences and creators, thereby preserving and advancing theatrical traditions across generations.

The festival opened with “Under the Rubble,” a production from Doha Theatre Group written by Yasser al-Hassan and directed by Faleh Fayez. The play explores existential and philosophical questions through the story of three individuals trapped beneath the ruins of a collapsed police station, their uncertain fate heightened by psychological and intellectual confrontations. A pivotal element of the narrative revolves around a radio that serves as their sole link to the outside world, igniting a struggle for leadership within the group. The cast featured Ibrahim Lari, Amina al-Wakili, Samah al-Sayed, Abdulrahman al-Mansouri, Mohammed Laram, Khalid Youssef, and Mohammed Abdullah. The production closed on an open-ended note.

Following the performance, a discussion forum included contributions from critic Dr. Hanan Kassab and writer-director Fahad al-Kuwari. Dr. Kassab commended the direction and atmosphere for effectively capturing the realities of war, praising the production’s artistic maturity and visual coherence, while also expressing reservations about certain unrealistically portrayed scenes and design elements. Fahad al-Kuwari noted artistic and structural challenges, acknowledging the play’s engagement with diverse themes such as women’s issues, political and social dynamics, and ideological concerns.

The festival’s competitive programme continues with Qatar Theatre Group’s “The Dividing City,” written by Taleb al-Dos and directed by Mohammed Youssef al-Mulla, scheduled for June 23. The event will conclude on June 24 with “The Black Heron,” produced by Al Watan Theatre Group and both written and directed by Shuail al-Kuwari.