The Oman Theatre
 
The beginnings of theatres in Oman coincided with the introduction of the education system.
The youth theatre, established in 1980, played an important role in the formation of troupes and domestic groups in various regions in the sultanate. Such troupes and groups have contributed to the development of the theatre movement in the sultanate.
 

1. School Theatre before the Renaissance
   
   School theater was first exercised in the only 3 schools that existed in the sultanate before 1970. Those schools were “Al-Saidia School – Muscat, Al-Saisia School – Mattrah and Al-Saidia School – Salalah”.
    
   At the time the plays were performed in wither pure Arabic language or in English within the school boundaries. Those plays generally lacked creativity as they were mainly based on texts abstracted from Egyptian and Lebanese school text books.
   
    

2. School Theatre after the Renaissance
   
   Since the beginning of the Omani renaissance era in 1970 the government had deployed a great portion of its resources to education and the number of schools has increased dramatically. Although attention was paid to the theatre activities but the major concern was directed towards the education process itself. This resulted in limited success in the theatre sector.
   
    

3. Sports Clubs Theatres
    
   Al-Ahli Club Theatre represents an ideal symbol of the Omani club theatre experience. Oman club had also witnessed flourishing theatre activities in the early seventies. Other clubs in Muscat and other cities have also contributed to this process.
   
   Al-Ahli Club Theatre
    
   Al-Ahli Club has effectively contributed to spreading theatrical awareness in the country. Over 28 plays skits were performed in the club between 1970 and 1976.
   
   Oman Club Theatre
    
   Oman Club is the first club to host theatre activities. It is regretful that none of the plays performed were recorded.
   
   
    

4. Youth Theatre

Sponsored by then called the Ministry of Information and Youth, the Muscat Youth troupe was formed in 1980. This was the first government supported troupe to be established.

The troupe included in its members a number of Omani youth, some of whom have attracted fame at a later stage; such as Saleh Zaal Al-Farsi, Fakhria Khamis Al-Ajami, Saud Salim Al-Dermaki, Talib Mohammed Al-Balushi, Abdul Razak Ali Al-Mahrami, Said Al-Hashmi, Hamad Khalfan Al-Hadhrami, Masouma Al-Dhahab and directors Mohammed Said Al-Shanfari, Abdul Karim Ali Jawad. These names and others have contributed a great deal in spreading awareness of the importance of the theatre as an active cultural tool.

Scholars such as Mr. Mustafa Hashish and Mr. Mansoor Makawi were contracted to train the Omani actors, some of whom were sent to Egypt to attend courses in acting and directing.

The William Shakespeare play “The Merchant of Venice” was the first play performed by the youth troupe. This was followed by extensive activities in an effort that lead to establishing theatrical conversations as well as the emergence of a number of talented individuals.

Despite the short period, the Youth Theatre had managed to produce a fair number of plays some of which represented the sultanate in regional theatrical contests and were awarded prizes for these participations.

The Youth Theatre produced various plays related to the history of Oman, such as (Al-Watan) play in 1982, Al-Rayah-The Flag) in 1983. It also produced plays tackling social aspects such as (Khyout Al-Ankaboot – Spiderweb) in 1988, (illusioned millionaire) in 1989, (Halal Al-Mashakel – problem solver) in 1990, (Al-Mustamtie Aqil wa Al-Mutakalim – The wise listener and the talker) in 1993.

The Youth Theatre also produced plays based on legends and public heritage such as (Obasait Al-Faris – The Knight Opera_ in 1990 and (Al-Falaj) in 1992 and (Rehlat Al-Safina Al-Sultania – The voyage of the Royal Ship) in 1993.

The Youth Theatre also produced a number of plays dealing with the various aspects of life.