Connector Magazine - AMSI School Events

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AMSI students stage “Neis men warak” to pass on the great Arabian heritage to the generations to come

Ala Ahmed: Dubai, U.A.E., July 2008-  Academia Management Solutions International (AMSI), under the patronage of the DCAA (Dubai Cultural & Arts Authority) and KHDA (Knowledge & Human Development Authority), hosted one of Rahbani’s masterpieces “Neis men warak” (people of paper). The play was hosted as part of AMSI’s continued commitment to preserve the Arabian heritage and pass it on to the future generations.

Over 75 students from three of AMSI’s schools in Dubai namely Al Mawakeb Schools in Al Barsha & Al Garhoud and The International School of Arts and Science at Al Warqa, worked together to stage the one and a half hour long play at the American University in Dubai (AUD) Auditorium on 10th and 11th of June 2008.

A well-organised play, the students received a standing ovation from the audience that included VIPs, parents, the Press and art lovers in town. Dr. Muhammad Al Murr, Vice Chairman of DCAA, Mr. Saeed Al Nabooda of DCAA, Mr. Yasser Al Gergawi of DCAA and Dr. Wafi Dawood, Director of Excellence representing KHDA, were among the prominent personalities who attended the play.

Dr. Salah Alqassim, Advisor to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said, “Our support of the initiative validates our ethos to nurture the growth of young talent. Today, we have successfully conveyed to these young children that the Authority will support and participate in their journey towards achieving proficiency in the performing arts. We are delighted to have instilled in them a sense of empowerment, helping them believe in themselves and their resolve to excel. The tremendous talent exhibited by the children today will take them a long way and see them expanding their cultural horizons not only in the performing arts but in all aspects of creativity.”

Appreciating the efforts of AMSI and its students, Dr. Abdulla Al Karam of KHDA said, “KHDA aims to help students to nurture balanced personalities by providing the best education and emphasising on extra-curricular activities that improve their life skills.  This play falls into this category, enhancing the students’ creativity and artistic abilities. We would like parents to encourage their children to take part in activities that will help them grow and explore their talents, so that they become active members in the development of our society.”  

Completely choreographed by the students themselves, this interesting comedy play tells the story about a touring troupe of street performers. They arrive in a village where they get involved in a dispute with a local election activist. It begins as the Senator feels he is loosing audience for his speech festival during the election due to the troupe’s street performances. He does his best to cancel their performances, which triggers the leader of the troupe to decide to challenge the Senator as an opponent in the election. Right through, the play has a comedy tone and audience was enthralled when the play reached a climax when the senator’s campaign manager leaves his party and joins the dance troupe.

Commenting on the show, AMSI CEO, Adonis Nasr said “Being moulders of the future citizens, we believe it is our responsibility to make the students aware of our rich Arabian heritage, the vast literature and deep-rooted culture. Working on plays like Rahbani’s “Neis men warak”, gives them a better understanding of the vast Arabian culture and its literature.” He said that AMSI schools have always played an admirable role in enabling its students to achieve their maximum development potential. The schools are renowned for organising extracurricular activities which helps the overall personality development of the students and giving them first-hand experience in various activities. “Our aim is to mould a whole new generation that is better equipped to take on the challenges of the future both in their social as well as their professional lives.”, said Mr. Nasr.

Last year during the same time, Al Mawakeb School students staged yet another Rahbani’s play at the Abu Dhabi Officer’s Club where they an equally enthusiastic response.