Cultural life of Dubai takes a giant leap forward
Dubai, UAE: The eagerly awaited Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre is set to this evening, 1 November, 2006 at a gala event. The Centre's Honorary Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai, will be inaugurating the cultural landmark of the city on this occasion. The grand opening of Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC), will be attended by a host of VIP guests, patrons and theatre goers.
Various artists (actors, singers, dancers, puppeteers and mime artists) have come together for a unique performance that has been specially produced for the grand opening of DUCTAC. The "devised play" is an entirely new work based on collaborative theatre techniques, directed by professional Central School of Speech and Drama graduate Sam Bardaouil. The performance will be a celebration of various theatre forms and has been created as a tribute to the cultural diversity that thrives in Dubai, which the centre aims to represent.
Brian Wilkie, Deputy Chairman & Board Member, DUCTAC - commented: "The opening of DUCTAC is the culmination of truly extraordinary efforts by many visionaries whose long-held dream has become a reality. The centre will soon be an exuberant, energetic, and vibrant symbol of the complexity, diversity and cultural richness of Dubai and it will definitely be one of the most versatile and dynamic performing arts centers in the region, bringing the best in dance, music, and theater to the city's residents and visitors. I would once again like to thank our sponsors for their exceptionally generous support. Their contributions have made DUCTAC what it is today".
On Friday, 3 November, DUCTAC invites Dubai residents to visit the community centre from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This open day, part of the DUCTAC gala opening celebrations will feature tours, an ongoing schedule of musical, dance and theatre performances, hands-on art activities, together with a warm welcome by pantomimes, drummers, clowns, and stilt walkers at the entrance. Performances will be held at The Centrepoint Theatre and a variety of art related workshops including painting, photography, pottery will run at the Manu Chhabria Arts Centre along with live musical performances. Visitors can walk into a class of their choice and gain an insight into how the courses will be run.
Lori Dorman, DUCTAC General Manager said on the occasion: "Engaging the community is an important part of The Centre's mission. This open house is the first of many opportunities for us to share the resources of this beautiful Centre with the entire community of Dubai."
Set in the heart of the Mall of the Emirates, the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre is Dubai's cultural flagship. With its two theatres- The Centrepoint Theatre, and a smaller more intimate studio space, the Kilachand Studio Theatre, the centre will be able to offer artists and audience ideal venues for virtually every type of performance. Whether it is Drama, Opera, Ballet, Dance, Musical Theatre, Children's Shows, Comedy, Popular, Jazz, Folk or Classical Music, the centre will provide a perfect venue.
"We are proud at Majid Al Futtaim Group that DUCTAC is part of our flagship property, the Mall of the Emirates. The theater and art centre has been built to high standards to match the quality of the unique architecture of the Mall. The proximity of culture and entertainment to the shopping experience will allow convenience for all the communities of Dubai and high exposure for the leading artists," said Francois De Mountaudouin, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Group.
A multi-functional performing space, The Centrepoint Theatre has a seating capacity of 543, inclusive of two front rows that are removable to accommodate a live orchestra and together with provisions for wheelchairs and four VIP boxes. The Kilachand Studio Theatre, located nearby, is an exciting space where actors can experiment with theatre, and audiences can view the performance up-close. The design of the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre reflects the innovation and exuberance of a new century, a new cultural capital, and actively encourages visitors to explore and enjoy the great variety of activities contained within it, both throughout the day evening. Visitors can buy tickets for shows at the Box Office and obtain food and beverages at the Centre to sustain their cultural journey.
The serenely welcoming art space of "Manu Chhabria Arts Centre'' comprises the other half of the centre. It offers a unique space for contemporary and classical art. It also houses the Centre for Musical Arts, The Old Library and 16 general and specialised classrooms/studios offering a myriad of subjects including crafts, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and pottery, ensuring that there is something for art lovers of all ages and cultures. The specialised studios include the state-of-the-art Sculpture studio, an inviting and efficient place to learn all aspects of working with clay. The Ceramics and Pottery studio is fully equipped to meet the needs of every level, ranging from beginners to professionals, across all ages.
As a non-profit organization, DUCTAC relies heavily on community support and individual memberships. It has received great support from various artistic groups and cultural associations in Dubai, many of whom have organized fund-raising and publicity events. Sharing this collective vision, numerous leading multi-national and
local corporations have embraced the concept of corporate social responsibility and made DUCTAC a reality by donating funds to the community centre.
To reward the city's regular theatre and arts lovers for their loyalty, DUCTAC offers a chance of a membership scheme. As a member, one would be able to enjoy different benefits at the Theatre & Arts Centre, along with certain discounts at different retail shops across the UAE. The membership categories at fabulous introductory prices include Individual Adult Package at Dhs. 150, Family Package (family of two adults and two children under 16) at Dhs. 500 and Individual Student Package (16+) at Dhs. 100.
A breathtaking new landmark on the Dubai horizon, the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre will increase opportunities for social and cultural interaction within the community and generate a spirit of participation. Above all, it is an exciting and stimulating venue for education, recreation and creativity and is destined to become The Cultural Heartbeat of Dubai.
For more information on ongoing classes, theatrical shows and membership program, please contact DUCTAC on +971 4 3414777.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Rawaj International FZ-LLC
Komal Odhrani
Tel: +971 4 391 3560
Fax: +971 4 391 3564
E-mail: komal.m@rawajinternational.com
Suha Krimeed
Marketing Manager
DUCTAC
Tel: +971 4 3414777
© Press Release 2006
