The Effect Of Virtual Theatres On Physical Theatres In The UAE

In her description of the impact of virtual theatre on the performing arts sector in the UAE and Dubai, Fatima Al-Jallaf, Manager of the Theatre Section and Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), noted that the spread of virtual theatre in some countries around the world,in light of the exceptional situation imposed by COVID-19,has not yet permeated in the local scene.Al-Jallaf explained that effectof virtual theatres on the local theatrical movement depends on several factors, most importantly of which the extent to which artists and those in charge of theatre productions are accepting ofthe idea. This is due to the fact that theatre, in its physical form, is rootedin the relationship between anactor and theiraudience, an aspect that is missing in virtual theatres.

Al-Jallafsaid: “The nature of actual theatreundoubtedly differsfrom its virtual counterpart. The emotional communication between theatrical members on stageand audiences, and the resulting bond, is what gives physical theatre its distinctcharm, enhancing the confidence and interaction of the actors as well astheir harmony and focus to deliver their desired messages to audiences.This relationship and emotional and psychological connection are absent from virtual theatres, and that glamour and magic cannot be replaced by technology. However, I believethat translatingphysical theatre into a virtual space during exceptionalcircumstances is a positive thing as it guarantees the continuity of the artistic scene in the country through the performing arts.”

Al-Jallaf added: “From my point of view, one of the drivers of the trend towards virtual theatres lies in the need for the local theatre sector to adapt to developments in the country or to global circumstances. I believe there is also a need to spread artistic awareness among society members in generaland the theatrical community in particular on the path towards accepting the conceptand keeping pace with it.”

In a future outlook, Al-Jallaf indicated that preparing for the next 50years requires the development of theatrical work to keep pace with the world, whether in terms of content or formthrough the integration of digitalisationand technology into the physical theatre. She affirms that this would require everyone acrossvarious fields of theatrical work to take steps that may be difficult in the beginning but will result in thecontinuity and quality in productionwith the right experience and the will to adapt to the new era. She stressed that future generations are heavily dependent on technologyand may find it difficult to accept the idea of ​​traditional theatrical productions. Therefore, when presented digitally, innovation must be employedin the theatricalfield and surprising elements must be included.