The 34th edition of Sharjah Theatre Days will take place under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from February 19 to 26.

This year, the event will honour veteran Emirati actress Maryam Sultan as a “local honouree” in recognition of her pioneering theatrical contributions and her significant participation in Sharjah Theatre Days.

In accordance with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, The Sharjah Theatre Days, established in 1984, annually honours an artist for their contributions to its journey and performances over the past decades. The event dedicates an artistic and cultural programme that includes the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to the honouree during the opening ceremony.

The celebration programme also features a symposium that highlights the honouree’s career, shedding light on the key milestones of their professional theatre journey. Additionally, the celebration includes the publication of a booklet containing testimonials, clippings, and commemorative photographs, capturing the beginnings and evolution of the honoured artist’s career.

Maryam Sultan began her theatrical journey in the 1970s and is regarded as one of the pioneers of “the Father of Arts” in the region. A founding member of the Sharjah National Theatre, she is renowned for her enduring passion and dedication to acting, which she honed through numerous workshops and theatrical experiences during the 1970s and 1980s.

Over the years, Sultan has contributed to more than 50 theatrical performances for both adults and children, in addition to participating in numerous television and radio series. Her debut performance was in the 1976 play “Harun Al Rashid in the Twentieth Century”, produced by the Sharjah National Theatre and directed by Arif Ismail.

The following year, she took on multiple roles in “Sun of the Day”, directed by Saqr Al Rashoud. Beyond acting, she also designed costumes and prepared stage accessories for the production, which was the first play performed at the Africa Hall Theatre in Sharjah and attended by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.

In 1979, Maryam Sultan appeared in “The Trap”, a theatrical production that brought together actors from the five active theatre groups at the time, under the direction of Ibrahim Jalal. This play marked a significant milestone as the first local production to be presented at the Damascus Theatre Festival.

In the same year, she participated in the play “A Lesson from Time”, produced by the Dubai Popular Theatre and directed by Al Rih Abdul Qader. Her contributions continued with a standout performance in 1983’s “Halshkl Ya Saffron”, produced by the Sharjah National Theatre and directed by Fouad Al Shatti. This production represented the UAE at the Carthage Theatre Days, further showcasing the talent and dedication of Emirati theatre artists on an international stage.

In the inaugural edition of Sharjah Theatrical Days in 1984, Maryam Sultan, often referred to as the “Mother of Playwrights” by Saqr Al Rashoud, performed in “The Tragedy of Abu Al Fadl”, produced by Ras Al Khaimah Theatre and directed by Majdi Kamel. This production was recognised by the jury as the best performance of the edition and went on to represent the UAE at the Touring Theatre Festival in Morocco in the same year.

Her artistic contributions continued with a role in “The Poor Molasses Seller” by the Modern Theatre Group in Sharjah, directed by Yahya Al Hajj. In the third edition of Sharjah Theatrical Days in 1986, she won the Best Actress award for her outstanding performance in the play “M.K., Game of Chairs” by Khorfakkan Popular Theatre, directed by Youssef Khalil. Subsequently, she participated in “Malallah Al Hajan” with the Modern Theatre in Sharjah, directed by Hassan Rajab, further solidifying her prominent status in Emirati theatre.

Maryam Sultan won the Best Female Acting Award (Second Role) at the 10th edition of Sharjah Theatre Festival for her performance in “What Was for Ahmed Bint Suleiman”, produced by the National Youth Theatre in Dubai. Written and directed by Naji Al-Hai, this play holds the distinction of being the first production performed in Arabic at the renowned French Avignon Festival.