A musical performance titled ‘In Memory of Zayed’ was performed by 66 members of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, a subsidiary of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, at the Sharjah Cultural Palace yesterday (Thursday).

The operetta honoured the timeless legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his unique charismatic leadership and his humanitarian qualities upon which he founded the Union.

The theatrical work featured several acts including stage scenes and songs performed by young ladies who brought their art and their gratitude on stage. The performance also depicted Sheikh Zayed’s attachment to the UAE’s youth, and the importance he would place in them and their development as future architects of the nation.

The operetta drew a great audience, who watched the 66 performers recite poems reflecting the life and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, and his unparalleled service to his people. The ladies also read verses of poetry that highlighted the approach he took in transforming the desert into a green oasis of peace, prosperity, progress and health, which today stands tall as a global example.

The operetta was written by Sajaya members, Shahlaa Taha and Hajar Yousef. The lyrics and music were composed by Fatima Muhammad Hassan AlMarashda, and directed by Cinderella Hassan and other young directors in Sajaya.

Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of Sajaya, underlined the importance of theatre as a tool of cultural influence and its role in shaping and enrich people’s lives.

She noted that guiding and directing young ladies to theatrical work comes in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, to promote the theatrical culture among community members.

“Theatre, known as the ‘father of creative arts’, is a special experience that bears intellectual, cultural, humanitarian and aesthetic dimensions that help enrich artistic experiences of younger generations,” she said.

Sheikha Aisha added: “We aim through such theatrical shows to develop the creative abilities of young ladies, enhance their self-confidence and enrich the theatrical scene in Sharjah and the UAE.”

Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah is a leading organisation dedicated to developing the talents of young ladies aged 13-18 years in all creative spheres. Sajaya was established in 2004 under the umbrella of Sharjah Children’s Centres before it became an independent entity in 2012 following an administrative decree issued by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators.