Omani
Theatre Actively Present at Muscat Nights 2026

Muscat,
19 Jan 2026 (ONA) — The active presence of theatrical performances within the
“Muscat Nights 2026” festivities represents one of the most
significant entertainment and cultural pillars offered to the public.

These
performances provide an ideal space for Omani theater practitioners to exchange
expertise, appropriately activate the performing arts, and highlight vibrant
youth talent, reflecting the cultural and artistic movement currently witnessed
in the Sultanate of Oman.

The
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has bolstered the role of Omani theater
troupes as creative platforms that contribute to spreading cultural awareness
and serve as an entertainment element that enhances interaction between the
public and artists across various creative spectrums.

Sarah
Mohammed Al Ajmi, Head of the Performing Arts Department at the Ministry of
Culture, Sports and Youth, stated that Omani theater is one of the most
prominent features of the cultural scene in the Sultanate of Oman. She noted
that its presence in this year’s “Muscat Nights 2026” serves as an
artistic space expressing cultural identity and keeping pace with the local
creative movement.

She
added that the inclusion of theatrical performances in the event’s general
program reaffirms the role of theater in enhancing cultural awareness and
making performing arts accessible to various segments of society. She further
clarified that the presence of Omani theater is part of a purposeful cultural
vision to highlight national creative energies, serving as an interactive
platform that combines entertainment with knowledge.

Regarding
the selection of participating shows and troupes, Al Ajmi explained that the
process was based on specific technical and organizational criteria. These
included the quality of the script and performance, the suitability of the
shows for the audience, and their ability to provide a rich theatrical
experience consistent with the atmosphere of “Muscat Nights 2026,”
while ensuring the representation of various Omani theatrical experiences.

She
detailed that the performances varied between children’s theater, comedy, and
shows by troupes for people with disabilities, which included two performances:
one by the “Creativity through Disability” theater and another by the
Oman Deaf Theater troupe.

On
another note, Jassim Mubarak Al Battashi, Head of the Muscat Folk Theater
Troupe, pointed out that theater is a competitor to other forms of recreation
and cannot be separated from entertainment tools. He described it as one of the
most important cultural and artistic entertainment instruments, noting that
many countries worldwide rely on theater to deliver social messages with added
value to their people.

Al
Battashi emphasized that Omani theater troupes must demonstrate a continuous
desire for work to move forward. He noted that Omani theater needs more
presence and sustainability, stressing the need for continuous production
throughout the year rather than limiting its role to domestic and international
competitions. He added that many countries rely on theater as a significant
source of national income and a means to promote national identity by utilizing
it as a primary tourism tool.

In
a related context, Yousef Mohammed Al Balushi, Head of the Mazoon Folk Theater
Troupe, stated that the participation of Omani theater in general, and folk
troupes in particular, in national events is a vital opportunity and a major
cultural-artistic milestone in the Sultanate of Oman. He expressed his hope for
the continued and expanded participation of theater in such events to further
develop youth artistic creativity.

Regarding
his experience at “Muscat Nights 2026,” Al Balushi explained that it
is a unique experience due to the direct communication between the stage and
the audience. He highlighted the availability of all necessary requirements,
including lighting, acoustics, and a fully integrated stage, which allows for a
better understanding of the diverse audience and the ability to improvise when
facing sudden challenges, such as weather conditions or technical obstacles.

Concluding
his remarks, he touched upon the positive audience interaction with the comedy
play presented by his troupe, describing it as a comedic presentation carrying
ideas that resonate with the audience.

—Ends/AG