Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
“Emirati Theatre – Reema: Queen of the Desert” - a captivating production that celebrates the themes of courage, tolerance and compassion - will be staged at the Cultural Foundation on March 27.
The family-oriented play centres on Reema, a gazelle symbolising purity and tolerance, who lives deep in the desert.
When a powerful sandstorm strikes and scatters a caravan of hunters, Reema finds a wounded human knight and decides to save him - despite the troubled history between humans and animals.
With the help of Jareh, a falcon, Reema embarks on an adventure to find the Magical Oasis in the hopes of fulfilling her wish to become human and live with the knight, with home she falls in love with.
The key themes of the story are:
Tolerance and Compassion - although the knight is a hunter and she is an animal, Reema selflessly comes to his rescue, conveying a message that promotes the spirit of tolerance within society.
Love of Nature and Environmental Protection - the play addresses the problem of overhunting and the impact of human actions on wildlife, calling for the protection and preservation of the environment.
The Power of Love and Willpower - Reema and Jareh’s journey to the magical oasis symbolises determination and perseverance in pursuing dreams despite challenges.
Diversity and Integration - The friendship that forms between the human, the gazelle and the bird reflects the diversity of Emirati society and its cohesion despite differences.
The play resonates with the needs of children in the UAE, as highlighted by child surveys, through:
Enhancing Imagination and Adventure - the story is rich with magical elements, transformations, and talking animals, enriching the imagination and stimulating creative thinking.
Instilling National and Environmental Consciousness - the play is set in an Emirati desert, with its dunes and sands, and encourages respect for and care of its natural elements.
Providing a Positive Role Model - Reema’s character represents the wise, compassionate Emirati child who is loyal to her homeland and identity.
Encouraging Dialogue and Critical Thinking - through the magical questions posed in the oasis and the dialogue between characters, children are encouraged to reflect and think critically.
Scenes of deserts, sand dunes, storms, stars, and the wise owl create a visual world inspired by the Emirati environment, giving children a sense of belonging to this land rich in values and beauty.
