When the Emirati film student Meera Al Midfa was asked to audition for a spot in the Home Grown theatre initiative set up by the Middle East Theatre Academy and Kevin Spacey Foundation, she was asked what she’d bring to the table if selected. The answer was that she plans to lead by example.
“Not many Emiratis, especially Emirati women, pursue theatre or acting,” says the 24-year-old, who recently graduated with a bachelors in arts degree from the American University of Sharjah.
“I would like my participation to encourage others who want to pursue it but haven’t because it is regarded as something you don’t typically do, either because of familial or societal restrictions.”
Midfa also wants to help build local theatre in the UAE. “Theatre is close to my heart and I hope to use the experience of being trained by professionals and Kevin Spacey to further the scene here.”
Midfa began acting on stage in 2008, taking on roles in university plays and appearing in a production of Sweeney Todd at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre.
“When I was younger, I’d put on these shows for my family, acting like a movie star,” she explains.
She hopes the Home Grown workshop will open up many possibilities and strengthen her skills, not just in acting, but production and stage management.
“The arts industry in the UAE still needs to grow just enough to be able to provide thespians with the opportunity to pursue it as a profession,” she says. “The Home Grown programme is definitely a step forward for theatre in the UAE.”