QF’s D’Reesha Performing Arts Festival To Inspire Learning, Discovery, and Exploration

Al-Jazi Al-Hanzab, Community Program Manager at Qatar Foundation, sits for a Q&A to about the second edition of D'reesha Performing Arts Festival, which takes place during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, from 11-17 December. 

What is the significance of Qatar Foundation hosting the second edition of the D’reesha Performing Arts Festival during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™?

This FIFA World Cup™ is the first time that the global tournament is taking place in the Middle East. This is a momentous occasion. So, by hosting the D’reesha Performing Arts Festival during the World Cup, we will be able to take our rich culture and heritage to new, global audiences. 

Our jam-packed schedule features a diverse range of fun and educational activities, events, and performances covering key themes such as science, research, education, and community. And open to all, it has been designed to cater to people of all ages, interests, and nationalities. 

This year the theme is “Travel and Adventure”. Why did you choose this, and what is the connection to the World Cup? 

Ultimately, the concept of “Travel and Adventure” reflects Education City as a whole – a hub of knowledge that inspires learning, discovery, and exploration.

Travel helps people become more tolerant and open towards new cultures, as well as promotes communication and an acceptance of others. And this is especially important during the tournament as Qatar is welcoming people from all over the world. 

How will the festival raise awareness of the country’s culture, heritage, and traditions?

This is an important aspect of D'reesha Performing Arts Festival – it aims to promote, preserve, and celebrate the identity and spirit of the Arab world and it does so by combining tradition and modernity for a unique, educational experience.

The festival will shed light on Qatar today, and Qatar in the past, including traditional lifestyles, clothes, and food. It is also focused on where the arts fit in Qatari society. 

What are some of the new features of this year’s event?

A key component of this year’s festival is D’reesha of Invention, which – centered around the concept of STEAM – will feature activities, talks, and workshops that highlight renowned scientists, scholars, and researchers from the Arab world, enabling visitors to learn about the region’s contribution to innovation and invention.

Why are the arts an important aspect of QF’s mission? And what role does it play in its Pre-University Education (PUE) schools? 

QF believes that learning does not just take place within the walls of the classroom, and that innovative and diverse forms of education empower children and young people to embrace knowledge – taking what they have learned and applying it to their lives, now and in the future.  

D’reesha Performing Arts Festival reflects this belief as it provides an opportunity for young people from across the country to explore their curiosity, creativity, and individuality – helping to fuel a lifelong pursuit of learning. 

As an individual in society, and as a mother, I believe that performing arts is a tool to help find oneself, to increase self-confidence and learn new skills. It can also alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress, and can play a role in improving mental health.

How many performances will there be this year? And where are the acts from? 

This year, the festival will feature more than 60 performances, some of which will have more than 10 members participating. We received more than 250 applications from Qatar and other countries within the region, as well as nations further afield, like Senegal and the Philippines. We want this event to become a platform for artists and talents locally, regionally, and globally. 

Do you have anyone from QF schools or its partner universities participating?

Four of our PUE schools are taking part in the festival. Additionally, there are several teachers from our schools and students from partner universities participating.  

In fact, Tariq Bin Ziad School played a significant role in creating content for the Al Khater House, one aspect of the festival, where students will be organizing traditional games for visitors to try.  

Who is the festival for, and how can tickets be purchased?

There is something for everyone at the festival, with offerings ranging from shows such as Rumi: The Musical and Ibn Battuta to cultural performances, poetry recitals, and interactive science workshops. Tickets are available online and in person at Virgin Megastore, and daily passes are priced at QAR 35 for children 3-11 years old and QAR 50 for those aged 12 and above, while children under three can enter for free.