The production team expressed their profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his continued support for the theatrical and artistic sector and his commitment to nurturing creativity and artists. They noted that this support is reflected in the sustainability of theatrical and cultural activity and in the strengthening of its objectives.

Participants also praised the strong public turnout at the performances, which reflected the audience’s appreciation of authentic Arab theatre and its deep-rooted place in their collective consciousness.

A rich experience

Director and lead actor Salloum Haddad affirmed that performing at Majaz Theatre in the Emirate of Sharjah is a rich theatrical and exceptional cultural experience, particularly in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a staunch supporter of theatre as a cultural and humanitarian message.

Haddad, who portrayed the role of Al-Zeer Salem, highlighted Sharjah’s integrated cultural project, noting Majaz Theatre, which hosted one of the greatest Arab epics through a contemporary artistic vision that respected the depth and authenticity of the text. He noted that the theatre’s unique character offers genuine creative horizons for Arab theatre.

Actor Abed Fahd emphasised the significance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah attending the opening performance of this historical epic, describing its profound impact on the participating artists. He explained that His Highness’s presence was a motivating force that infused the performance with joy, especially in Sharjah, which he described as a home for art, thought and culture.

Embodying authenticity

Actor Bassem Yakhour stated that the Emirate of Sharjah embodies authenticity and fosters a fertile space for creativity. He noted that the cultural capital brought artists together to create a deep, rooted theatrical experience drawn from a historical narrative firmly embedded in the Arab audience’s collective memory — the epic of Al Zeer Salem — and presented to a discerning audience appreciative of authentic art and folk biography, through a contemporary literary and theatrical vision.

Actor Ibrahim Salem expressed his happiness and pride at participating in this historical epic, attended by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, a supporter of art, creativity and Arab theatre. He said that the experience at Majaz Theatre was a valuable addition to his artistic career.

He added that the production’s success was the result of integrating directorial vision, acting performance and institutional support, which place art in its rightful position. He highlighted the text’s historical depth and strong human dimension, as well as the supportive environment provided by Majaz Theatre, which contributed to the production’s success and strengthened its presence in the Emirati and Arab cultural scene.

Actress Amal Mohammed, who played the role of Al-Zahraa, praised His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's interest and his pioneering role in supporting theatre and the arts. She expressed her pride and happiness at performing on the stage of Majaz Theatre in his presence, noting that his attendance constituted exceptional support for her and the entire cast, particularly in a production that reflects the authenticity and importance of Arab theatre.

The theatrical work revisited the events of the Basus War, tracing the journey of Al Zeer Salem (Abu Layla Al-Muhalhil) as he struggled to avenge his brother Kulaib, through a theatrical reading that preserved the narrative’s epic and poetic nature while focusing on the internal conflict between vengeance and justice in its human dimensions.

The performance ran for 120 minutes and was supported by advanced visual elements, including dynamic scenery that accompanied the story’s developments, Arabic musical rhythms, and lighting and sound effects that enhanced the dramatic atmosphere and strengthened the theatrical narrative.