For the first time in its 18-year history, Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD)  has put up a unique shadow theatre wall at the Heart of Sharjah venue. Unlike other fairs where one is a mere spectator at puppetry staged by artistes and professionals, this one is intended for members of the public, who are free to put up a performance of their choice behind a wall to be viewed by their family, friends or anyone from the other side.

Mohammed Ghobashi, a theatre director, actor and TV presenter based in the UAE, and the brain behind the Shadow Theatre at Sharjah Heritage Days, said: “Theatre is the father of all arts. So, instead of bringing theatre shows to the people this year, we decided to bring people to the theatre instead!”

“The advantage of the shadow theatre wall is that people can ‘perform’ their story, dance or make shadow animals with their hands without being directly in front of the audience, so that’s great for those who are reluctant to put themselves out in front of many people,” he added.

So far, the Shadow Theatre wall at SHDhas seen children making shadow animals, couples dancing behind the scenes and even an actual shadow puppet show by someone who brought along their cutout figures.“All they need is the hazy screen and spotlight behind it, very little equipment is needed,” Ghobashi explained.

The Shadow Theatre wall only comes alive after sunset, as the “performances” would not be visible in daylight. This unique activity and more than 500 others at SHD, running until April 10, are enabling visitors of all age groups explore and unleash their creative side.