Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Honors Actors from the American University of Sharjah

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, honored a cast of students, graduates and faculty members at a special ceremony at the university for presenting a play inspired by the novel “The Pledged Dagger” by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The play was performed at Sharjah Fort as part of the Sharjah Public Library’s centennial celebrations, highlighting the importance of storytelling in preserving culture and promoting education.

“The creativity, dedication and hard work of the students and faculty at AUS were the driving force behind this work,” said Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi. “Meeting them was an opportunity to acknowledge their achievements and encourage them to continue exploring the power of storytelling, reflecting their commitment to reviving the story of ‘The Pawned Dagger’ and the important role that the arts play in preserving our cultural heritage.

I was pleased to present them with a commemorative silver coin on the occasion of the centenary of the establishment of the first library in Sharjah, in appreciation of their efforts in reviving the spirit of knowledge and creativity.”

Director Abhishek Nair, Visiting Professor in the Theater Arts Program at AUS, described the play, saying: “This play was a unique opportunity for the students to connect literature with living history, as they performed their roles in a setting that mimicked the original novel’s setting. Presenting ‘The Pawned Dagger’ at Sharjah Fort was not just a theatrical performance, but a unique interactive cultural experience that allowed students and the audience to engage with its historical and cultural dimensions.”

The play focused on one chapter of the novel, preserving its historical and cultural essence, while presenting it in a modern style that resonated with contemporary audiences. The team included students from the Theater Arts Program at the College of Arts and Sciences, students from other academic disciplines at AUS, and students from the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.

Preparations for the play took four months of intensive training, which began in October 2024, taking into account the requirements of preserving the heritage site during the performance to provide an integrated theatrical experience.

Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at AUS, said: “Celebrating the centennial of the Sharjah Public Library represents an important moment to reflect on the power of storytelling and its impact across generations. By transforming “The Pledged Dagger” into a theatrical performance, our students presented a unique experience, embodying the role of the arts in enhancing our understanding of history and identity. Their commitment to this work reflects the role of the university in nurturing talent and instilling a deep appreciation for the creative arts.”

Traditional music played a key role in building the atmosphere of the show, with the band performing live and interactively throughout the play, adding an authentic and vibrant dimension to the theatrical experience.

Dr. Albert Agha, Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Theater Arts Program at AUS, said: “Theatre gives students a unique opportunity to engage with literature beyond the written text, and presenting a literary work by the founder of our university, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, is a rich and exceptional experience. This work enabled our students to explore historical narrative in a live setting, which enhanced their skills in performance, collaboration and creative expression.”