Amman: Minister of Culture, Mustafa Rawashdeh, and Secretary-General of the Arab Theater Authority (ATA), Ismail Abdullah, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Royal Cultural Center to enhance performing arts and amateur youth theater in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, during the signing ceremony, Rawashdeh emphasized Jordan’s rich theatrical heritage, evident in its archeological sites spread across Jerash, Umm Qais, Amman, and Petra. He highlighted the evolution of modern theater in Jordan, which began in the early 20th century with Ruks bin Zayed Al-Azizi and has continued since the 1960s at the University of Jordan.
Rawashdeh explained that the MoU aims to establish a national core team of theater trainers to foster youth and amateur theater in Jordan. This initiative is intended to create a model that can be adapted by other Arab countries. The agreement also includes plans to organize training courses for aspiring individuals, enhancing their talents and skills on solid scientific grounds to promote artistic and theatrical awareness.
The minister mentioned that the MoU would invigorate the role of theater in Jordan’s cultural directorates and benefit cultural centers across the Kingdom. He also acknowledged the strong Jordan-Emirati relations, noting that the MoU illustrates the extensive bilateral cooperation, particularly in the theater sector.
Rawashdeh expressed appreciation for the initiatives led by Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in establishing the ATA. He stated that this initiative embodies a strategic vision for culture and the arts, showcasing the civilizational aspect of human societies.
At the ceremony, the minister remarked that the ATA represents a significant Arab experience in advancing Arab drama and theater, publishing theatrical literature, and revitalizing related activities throughout the Arab world. He expressed optimism that Jordan will rely on this MoU to develop its amateur theater sector and establish a model that will influence the future of Jordanian theater.