ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) announced the adaptation of the famous Emirati social drama series "Ashhafan" into a theatrical performance.
This initiative is supported by the main partner, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Akasa Media Consultancy and Studies.
The main actors from the original series, along with a talented group of people of determination and Emirati actors, will participate in this theatrical work.
This theatrical production comes over 48 years after the airing of the popular Emirati series "Ashhafan," which was produced in 1976. It is transformed into a new and attractive theatrical work that evokes memories and nostalgia for the original series, which is considered part of the memory of Emirati and Gulf drama.
The organisation held a press conference at its headquarters to announce the details of this work, "Ashhafan Theatrical Performance," attended by Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, representatives from Akasa Media Production, several participating artists, and leaders of the organisation.
Through "Ashhafan Family," Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination continues its efforts to empower the talents of people of determination with special abilities in acting as a field of creativity. The initiative creates a unique creative path for their integration into artistic and social life, providing an opportunity to express significant events. Participating talents include Sultan Al Siyabi, Ghaya Saeed, Mozna Ahmed, Mariam Hamdan, and Hamdan Al Khamiri.
The play is directed by Mohamed Saeed, with assistant director Fahd Ibrahim and written by Abdullah Saleh. It features a distinguished cast of veteran and new actors who will contribute to reviving the spirit of the original drama. The acting team includes prominent actors such as Mohamed Yassin, Ahmed Mangoush, Adel Al Buainain, Jassem Obaid, Rayhana Al Nimri, and Razeqa Tarash. Additionally, a new generation of talents will participate, including Ahood Al Nuaimi, Ahmed Malallah, Reem Suleiman, and Noura Al Abed, along with talented individuals from people of determination.
"Ashhafan Family" discusses contemporary challenges facing Gulf and Arab families, highlighting the impact of social media platforms on daily life. The story revolves around family members with different inclinations, unfolding events that show the impact of their orientations on their personal and professional lives.
The theatrical performance focuses on the emotional aspect to attract those who watched the "Ashhafan" series, enhancing Emirati culture by highlighting the cultural and social heritage of the UAE. It updates events to match significant temporal changes.
The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination emphasised that this theatrical work aims to revive characters beloved by audiences in the UAE and all Gulf countries. It focuses on the emotional aspect to attract those who watched the "Ashhafan" series and enhances Emirati culture by showcasing the cultural and social heritage of the UAE, updating events to match significant temporal changes.
The organisation added that the play will focus on people of determination through an inspiring story of one of its heroes, confirming the organisation's role in supporting these groups and presenting works that highlight and develop their life skills and talents. Their participation enhances the concept of inclusion and diversity in society, creating an environment that accepts and values differences, giving them a sense of independence and self-reliance.
The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination aims for every talented individual from people of determination to have space in artistic and creative works alongside major stars in the Arab world naturally, becoming celebrities like other artists and creators.
Akasa Media Consultancy and Studies, the executive producer of the work, clarified that the play is not just a revival of the past but offers a contemporary vision of life and the conditions of the characters after nearly five decades, including awareness messages and comedic events in line with the spirit of the original work.
Notably, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination launched its pioneering initiative "Talented Determination" across Abu Dhabi to discover and attract talented individuals from various categories of people of determination in different fields of arts. These include performing arts, visual arts, and media presentation, to nurture and support their talents, creating the appropriate environment for them to compete globally. This is achieved through a comprehensive program that ensures their talents and skills are honed to enhance their presence in many local and international forums.