HE Qatar’s Minister of Culture Discusses Promoting Theater

Doha, July 10 (QNA) - HE Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari met Thursday with a number of prominent figures of the Qatari theaters, as well as intellectuals and figures of the media to discuss how to encourage the theater movement in Qatar. His Excellency said that his meeting was part of Ministry's continuous effort to push the theater movement in Qatar forward. His Excellency added that the ministry made a number of steps to promote theater, including providing acting, writing and directing workshops. The Ministry is also looking to establish two new theater teams, in addition to working on creating an online library to document Qatari plays. HE the Minister called on all parties interested in culture in Qatar to work together to promote the theater movement in Qatar. HE the Minister listened to the ideas of intellectuals regarding possible new projects for the ministry to adapt. His Excellency also took the chance to answer a number of questions, including the possibility of lifting censorship on theater and bringing back the Doha Cultural festival. In response to the first question, HE the Minister said that censorship on theater was not a political decision but rather a social one. His Excellency also noted that the majority of countries censor theater. HE noted that the role of theater is to enlighten in the first place; as it shed lights on problems in society and how to overcome them. On the return of the cultural festival, His Excellency said that the proposal was being considered, especially that it needs a big budget. His Excellency added that the State of Qatar have been hosting endless cultural events in recent time. (QNA)