Sharjah:Storytelling's role as both an expression of human experience and an art form was examined by three Arab artists at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026). Kuwaiti literary scholar and visual artist Dr. Alia Shuaib, Lebanese actor and theatre director Rafiq Ali Ahmad, and Emirati actor and academic Dr. Habib Ghuloom explored storytelling's dimensions during a session moderated by Al Anoud Al Souri.
According to Wam, the session titled 'Who Owns the Story?' delved into the relationship between storytelling and performance, the evolution of narratives across generations, and the responsibilities involved in translating human experiences into written and performed works. It emphasized storytelling as a shared human experience that fosters learning from the trials and errors of others, as highlighted by Rafiq Ali Ahmad.
Dr. Alia Shuaib discussed the cultural evolution marked by the transition from oral tradition to written scripts, which has had a significant impact on preserving culture and shaping stories across generations. Dr. Habib Ghuloom emphasized that elements like stagecraft and lighting should enhance rather than distract from the narrative, with successful productions requiring synergy between writers and directors.
The session was part of SIBF 2026's cultural programme, fostering discussions on literature and creativity. The event, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, runs from November 4 to 15, 2026, at Expo Centre Sharjah, featuring 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, with over 1.7 million titles showcased.