After the Theatrical Performance: innovative art exhibition throughout Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre 2021

In line with Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre’s mission to support creative talents in the emirate and as part of a cooperation between Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Akaas Visual Arts, the activities of the festival’s 2021 edition, taking place until 25 November, are being accompanied by an innovative art exhibition for theatrical photography under the title ‘After the Theatrical Performance.’

In line with the sectoral priorities of Dubai Culture’s strategic roadmap to empower talents, both citizens and residents, and make culture and art accessible to everyone and everywhere, Dubai Culture invited Akaas Visual Arts, represented by three young local artists specialised in photography, to attend and capture the evaluation performances in order to present high-level artistic images that would portray the various interactions on stage as part of an initiative that also aims to enrich the activities of DFYT 2021 and highlight the youth’s theatrical performances.

Emirati artists Faisal Alrais and Mohamed Al Dhaheri in addition to Dubai-based Iranian artist Mahsa Namvar participated in photographing and producing the exhibition, which includes main images from the plays participating in the festival. They took artistic photographs of the performances to be displayed throughout DFYT.

Artist Jassem Al Awadhi, founder of Akaas Visual Arts, said: “Theatrical photography reflects and documents the aesthetics of the art of theatre, forming a visual archive on theatrical works. This type of photography involves a mixture of the dynamic and emotional harmony of the actors on stage by utilising a long exposure technique that helps record the actors’ movements on stage. I am happy and proud to be collaborating with Dubai Culture as we have a joint vision to support talents and professionals in the emirate to strengthen its position as an incubator for them.”
A conceptual artist and photographer, Faisal Alrais is strongly influenced by the work of American street photographer Vivian Maier. He is often inspired by nature, and through his photography, he aims to deconstruct, reconstruct, and highlight the beauty in the simplest things in life. Artist Mohamed Al Dhaheri uses photography as a means to express thoughts and feelings and find something interesting in an ordinary place. Artist Mahsa Namvar developed a sense of curiosity and passion towards culture, lifestyle, art, festivities and history due to the sheer diversity of nationalities that live in the country.

Dubai Culture invites all theatrical and photography enthusiasts to visit the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre and the accompanying ‘After the Theatrical Performance’ exhibition taking place until 25 November at The Theatre in the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.