A diverse group of students, teachers, and staff members from Qatar Foundation (QF) schools dazzled audiences at SHOWTIME! – the musical production that showcases their talent for the performing arts, and how creative opportunities expand the learning experience.
This year's edition – SHOWTIME! 2024: A Celebration of Family Musicals – offered a captivating journey through musicals designed for family enjoyment, blending timeless classics with modern favourites.
Medleys from iconic films and award-winning productions from the West End and Broadway spotlighted the talents of students and staff from schools under QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE).
Alongside English renditions, 30% of performances in this year's show are in Arabic, overseen by the Qatari singer Dana al-Meer.
These performances are designed to showcase the diverse linguistic talents of both native and non-native Arabic speakers, ensuring a culturally rich and expansive experience.
Abeer al-Khalifa, president of Pre-University Education at the QF, said: “Each year, our students amaze us with their incredible talents on stage. I am thrilled to see our PUE community embracing new and enjoyable ways of self-expression."
"Engaging in the arts, especially in a multicultural and multilingual setting, encourages students to empathise with different perspectives and narratives,” she said. “This exposure not only broadens their understanding of the world but also hones their ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others.”
“Integrating Arabic into the SHOWTIME! theatrical performance this year is not just about the language; it also involves fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among our students for the culture that defines their identity,” al-Khalifa added. “By doing this, we are preparing them to be global citizens with a strong sense of their values and identity.”
"Emphasising Arabic in our annual performance aligns with our educational strategy, prioritising culture, language, and identity in our extracurricular activities,” she concluded. “It illustrates our belief that learning and maintaining the mother tongue is crucial.”
Aya Qasim, who came to watch her daughter Ghalia Juma, one of the participates in the show, said: “Seeing Ghalia take the stage at SHOWTIME! was beyond words. Her skill, enthusiasm, and commitment were evident in every word, and every move. It wasn’t merely a performance; it was an unveiling of her genuine essence.”
“I couldn't be prouder,” she added.
Alexander Beck, whose son Felix participated in the show, said: “His excitement brought us out to support him from the opening day of the show.”
“It's peculiar yet delightful to observe my son singing in Arabic, despite his lack of understanding or fluency in the language,” he said. “Just a week ago, Felix was surprised to see Arab children singing Beethoven's Symphony in German. Now, he's experiencing something similar.”
Haneen Makhloufi, mother of SHOWTIME! participant Sarah al-Kuwari, a student at Qatar Academy Sidra, said: "The show has really helped my daughter become braver and more confident. It's great to see her doing something fun and good for her instead of just using technology.”
"I support initiatives that promote the Arabic language – it's refreshing to see Arabic getting attention in entertainment,” she said.