Sharjah International Book Fair

In November 2016, just two months after participating in the Sharjah Narrator Forum we came back to this bustling city. Sharjah, located in the United Arab Emirates, played host to the world’s largest and most prestigious book festival in the Arab countries, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). This remarkable event aimed to cultivate a love for reading, particularly among the younger generation, while also promoting accessibility to books. Amidst a plethora of captivating activities and engaging performances, one group stood out with their enchanting art form – Shadow Theatre Verba. This blog article commemorates our participation in the SIBF 2016, where we presented our mesmerizing program, “Shadow Disney,” featuring captivating short shadow performances such as “Alice in Shadowland”, “Aladdin”, “Hercules”, and “A Story about Jouha”.

A Celebration of Reading and Creativity

SIBF was an extraordinary platform that brought together book enthusiasts, renowned authors, publishers, and performers from around the world. It aimed to create an immersive and interactive experience for visitors, especially children. The festival featured a multitude of engaging activities, including chemical laboratories, cooking and dancing workshops, circus acrobats from Beijing, and actors from “Sesame Street” in the USA, alongside local talents such as the Ukrainian-led show “Light Balance” and football freestylers. Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, human Shadow Theatre Verba was privileged to be a part of the festival, showcasing the beauty of shadow theatre and its ability to captivate audiences of all ages.

“Shadow Disney”: A Magical Journey

Our program, “Shadow Disney,” transported the spectators into a world of enchantment, where beloved Disney characters came to life through the art of shadows. Each short performance was meticulously choreographed to recreate the essence of iconic tales, ensuring that the audience’s imagination soared with every shadowy movement. “Alice in Shadowland” invited viewers to follow Alice’s curious adventures through a magical world, while “Aladdin” transported them to the bustling streets of Agrabah, filled with mystique and wonder. “Hercules” allowed audiences to witness the legendary hero’s trials and triumphs, while “A Story about Jouha” provided a touch of humor and wisdom from the Middle Eastern folk character.

Reactions and Impact

Our performances at the SIBF 2016 garnered overwhelming praise from attendees, young and old alike. Children’s eyes sparkled with delight, and adults rediscovered their inner child as they watched the mesmerizing dance of shadows unfold before their eyes. The magic of shadow theatre left a lasting impression on the festival-goers, igniting their curiosity and inspiring a love for the arts. By incorporating beloved Disney stories into our performances, we not only entertained but also reinforced the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving the literary heritage that accompanies these timeless tales.

The Sharjah International Book Fair 2016 was an extraordinary celebration of literature, creativity, and the power of imagination. Shadow Theatre Verba’s participation in this prestigious event, with our captivating program “Shadow Disney,” added a touch of magic and wonder to the festival. Through the artistry of shadow theatre, we transported the audience into the enchanting worlds of beloved Disney stories, leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.

Our participation in SIBF 2016 allowed us to showcase the beauty and versatility of shadow theatre, while also promoting the joy of reading and storytelling. We were honored to be a part of an event that aimed to make books accessible and instill a love for reading, especially among the younger generation. The festival’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging activities created a vibrant atmosphere, where visitors from all walks of life could explore their creativity and immerse themselves in a world of imagination.

The positive reception and reactions we received from the audience further reinforced the power of shadow theatre as an art form. We witnessed the spark of wonder in the eyes of children, the smiles on their faces, and the deep engagement of adults as they rediscovered the magic of storytelling. Through our performances, we not only entertained but also kindled a passion for literature and the arts, nurturing a love for reading that will endure beyond the festival.

As performers of Shadow Theatre Verba, we were humbled by the opportunity to share our craft on an international stage, surrounded by the rich literary heritage of the Arab world. The SIBF 2016 provided a platform for cultural exchange, where artists and attendees from different backgrounds united in their appreciation for the written word and the arts. We are grateful to have been a part of this vibrant tapestry of creativity and expression.

In conclusion, our participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair 2016 was a milestone in our journey as performers of Shadow Theatre Verba. The festival’s commitment to promoting reading, accessibility, and cultural exchange resonated deeply with our own values as artists. Through our program “Shadow Disney,” we transported the audience into a world of magic, showcasing the power of shadow theatre to captivate hearts and ignite imaginations. We are grateful for the opportunity to have shared our art form and stories with the diverse and enthusiastic audience at SIBF 2016.