Doha: The 38th edition of the Doha Theatre Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture (MoC) through the Theatre Affairs Center, opened this evening and will continue for four days with the participation of local theatre companies.
The opening ceremony was held at Al Mayassa Theatre at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in the presence of Mubarak bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, alongside ministry officials, theatre practitioners, artists, and cultural enthusiasts, reaffirming the festival’s status as Qatar’s leading annual theatrical event.
The latest edition continues the festival’s longstanding role in supporting the local theatre movement and providing a platform for new creative experiences, contributing to the enrichment of Qatar’s cultural landscape and strengthening the role of theatre as one of the most influential forms of artistic expression.
On the occasion, Director of the Culture and Arts Department at the Ministry of Culture, Abdulrahman Al Dulaimi highlighted the festival’s historical and human significance, noting that theatre is among humanity’s oldest forms of expression.
He said theatre has earned the title of “the father of the arts” for its ability to reflect the depth of the human experience and transcend the boundaries of time and place.
He added that theatre has historically demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt to social and technological transformations while preserving its identity and appeal, striking a balance between authenticity and modernity. Al Dulaimi stressed that theatre is no longer merely a mirror reflecting reality and everyday concerns, but has evolved into an active force that shapes public awareness and stimulates discussion on contemporary issues.
For his part, Director of the Theatre Affairs Center at MoC, Abdulrahim Al Sadiqi emphasized the festival’s importance, saying the new edition reaffirms that theatre remains a dynamic and enduring art form. He expressed hope that this year’s performances and discussions would provide a genuine space for celebrating beauty, creativity, and inspiring ideas.
Al Sadiqi added that the true value of cultural festivals is not measured by the number of participants, but by their ability to endure and maintain a lasting connection with audiences and creators, thereby securing their place in the cultural memory and ensuring the continuity of theatrical creativity across generations.
The festival opened with the Doha Theatre Group’s production “Under the Rubble”, written by Yasser Al Hassan and directed by Faleh Fayez. The play presents human and philosophical dimensions, exploring questions of existence and destiny in the face of extreme danger.
