A Round of Applause for AJAAJ - the UAE’s First Superhero
Spectators from around the UAE gathered to watch the first UAE comic book superhero, ‘Ajaaj: 2020’ come to life on stage this weekend during Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre at the Mall of the Emirates.
Seeking to recapture the essence of the Emirati heritage and culture, Watani, the social development progamme, created, produced and presented a unique theatrical experience with an all Emirati cast in a world-class production. The show was not just about superpowers; its underlying theme was that people should always hold on to their roots regardless of how lured they are by the modern age.
Children attending the show were very excited to see their favourite character ‘Ajaaj’ appear on stage in a setting identical to the comic book. Amal Belhoul, Former Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Culture and a renowned UAE Social Scientist said, “It is great to see and receive so much positive reaction from the children who watched the show. It is especially heartening to see the show become so successful in communicating the message of retaining your heritage and preserving your national identity through the much loved ‘Ajaaj’.”
‘Ajaaj: 2020’ continues on stage the mission of the Comic Book Watani launched a year ago to depict the role of cultural values in preserving the future. The story told in ‘Ajaaj: 2020’ describes a technology dominated future where moral and social values can be the real protection against the misuse of the high-tech power.
One of the main advantages ‘Ajaaj’ has over all the other superheroes according to one of the parents who attended the show, Noura, a young Emirati parent from Abu Dhabi, “This is the first time a superhero is offering more than action to the kids, ‘Ajaaj’ is brining the future focused computer-graphics generation closer to values like patience and honour to history.”
The spectators of the play had the chance to learn about the myth behind ‘Ajaaj’s’ origin, which was never revealed in the comic books before. Humaid and Shamma’s belief in the legends of the past make them realize the main morals of the play “those who have no past have no future”.
According to Scott Desmarais, Strategy and Business Development Director of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, ‘Ajaaj: 2020’ exceeded his expectations, “I was extremely impressed with the show’s technical skills and Emirati talent. Having this new UAE superhero is a fabulous initiative because it allows the young people of the UAE to leverage their strong Emirati cultural traditions and create new forms of art in Dubai. Moreover, this cultural stride will enable young talented Emirati actors to express their hidden talents.” He also added, “I am expecting to see ‘Ajaaj’ made into a film which I think will be as successful as the play.”
‘Ajaaj: 2020’ will play for a total of 18 performances at the Centrepoint Theatre, Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre at the Mall of the Emirates; daily show timings are 4pm for English version and 7pm for Arabic. It opened on 14 August and will run until Friday 22 August 2008. Tickets are available at Virgin Megastores and boxofficeme.com from 100 AED (50 for Kids) and 150 AED for premium seating.
As the narrator concludes at the end of the play, “Legends are often forgotten, left to the fading pages of history. But there are some that endure, gaining strength from the belief and hope of the people. So it is with ‘Ajaaj’, a legend of the past, protecting the future.”
