Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation presents traditional story-telling performance

Press release

Published December 26th, 2010 - 04:12 GMT

&#039;Hakawati&#039; presents traditional story-telling performance to new students

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) presented a Hakawati performance at Abu Dhabi University, as part of the Welcome Week , held each year to welcome new students and mark the new academic year.

The Hakawati, or traditional Arabic story-teller, and his troupe performed a series of amusing vignettes, each carrying a moral message. The plays were warmly welcomed by students, their families and friends, as well as members of the faculty staff.

ADMAF presented Hakawati as part of its commitment to reviving the art of traditional story-telling in the UAE. Hakawati (aka Egyptian actor, Ahmed Yousef) is part of the Sharjah Theatre Group. With his troupe, Yousef performs stories inspired by 'One Thousand and One Nights' as well as others based on Emirati tradition.

Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said

"The new intake of students at Abu Dhabi University represents the future. We applaud their commitment to learning and hope that the arts will help them broaden their minds, think creatively and enhance their academic performance. Just as we look to the future, so should we remember the past; and what better way to do so than through our customs and traditions.

"Story-telling is one of the region's most historical art forms, and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation is dedicated to enabling its revival. Through events like this, we are inspiring the next generation of Emiratis to appreciate and engage with their heritage."

Background Information

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

Through arts education, community arts and special projects, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has been nurturing creativity across the UAE for more than two decades. Since its establishment by Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo in 1996, it has been at the forefront of the UAE’s arts sector, inspiring young people, the public and artists, enabling creative expression through a wide range of programmes and projects. By bringing together audiences and institutions, the Foundation has helped embed arts and culture in the heart of the nation.

It seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision, motivated by the belief that culture is the key that unlocks a nation’s creativity and the language that transcends borders. Culture is the anchor that unites a nation and ADMAF undertakes a broad range of initiatives and events each year to bring together diverse audiences in the UAE and internationally. As well as fostering close communities and cross-cultural dialogues, the Foundation also recognises the fundamental right for every person, regardless of age or ability, to access, understand and appreciate cultural expression.