Minister of State and Qatar National Library President, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari; Minister of Sports and Youth, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali; Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi; and Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, at the opening of D’reesha Performing Arts Festival, yesterday.
In a bid to engage the new generation of innovative artists, Qatar Foundation’s first performing arts festival — D’reesha — officially opened in the presence of Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, yesterday.
Minister of Sports and Youth, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali; Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi; and Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari were also present during the inauguration ceremony held at the Education City’s Ceremonial Court.
The six-day event will take place across Education City, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Qatar National Day, and Daam Fund, showcasing a variety of local talent.
D’reesha Performing Arts Festival 2021 is a pioneering festival, while will integrate multiple disciplines, ranging from theatre and poetry to research, education, and, technology. It will explore the nature of performing arts and engage a new generation of innovative artists.
The opening event saw a performance by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, with a mesmerising performance by singer Fahad Al Kubaisi.
Fahad Al Kubaisi performing Qatari songs with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra during the opening ceremony of D’reesha at the Education City, yesterday.
Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Assistant Professor at VCUarts Qatar, Hadeer Omar showcased a light and visual experience.
Other performances included a bicycle painting show by Fatima Al Naimi, an interactive drumming experience and performance of Sudanese dance and music.
“As we are here at Qatar Foundation’s Education City, we use this occasion to re-emphasise the importance of education. We look forward to Qatar Foundation continuing to play an active role in supporting the performing arts, through its projects and initiatives,” said Qatari actor Ghanim Al Sulaiti.
In its inaugural year, D’reesha aims to act as a springboard: showcasing Qatar’s thriving creative community and inspiring artists at all stages of their development, celebrating heritage, identifying untapped talent, and sowing the seeds of creativity for years to come. In the long-term, the unique multidisciplinary platform provided by Qatar Foundation will give the world a performance experience unlike any other.
“This inaugural edition of the D’reesha Performing Arts Festival also reflects the connection between art and science, which is important in building the artistic community, and also in shaping communities that are based on beauty and justice,” Al Sulaiti said.
The festival will take place until December 17 across Education City. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will take place outdoors in open-air spaces with social distancing enforced by adhering to the guidelines as advised by the Ministry of Public Health.
Tickets should be purchased ahead of the event through the Education City app.
