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The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority collaborated with the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children and the Rashid Centre for People of Determination to stage When Words Fall Silent on October 20 and 21. The production featured children with disabilities in lead roles and relied on movement and visual expression instead of dialogue. A statement from the authority said the play took place in the Village of Cubes where characters each represent one positive human value including love respect cooperation hope peace and responsibility.
The concept for the theatrical script originated with Alaa Hammad while Najib Alhabal and Nasra Al Mamari wrote and directed the piece the authority reported. When sound disappears suddenly in the story the characters must turn to gestures movement and images to interact with one another. The narrative shows the characters learning that words alone prove insufficient and that cooperation along with teamwork creates meaning and understanding according to the production summary.
Ahlam Al Bannai director of the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children stated that the production reflects Dubai Culture’s responsibilities and sectoral priorities to harness the arts as a universal language capable of instilling positive values in children supporting their personal development strengthening their confidence and nurturing their creative abilities. The Rashid Centre contributed participants and expertise to ensure the portrayal of disabilities remained accurate the joint announcement indicated. Similar inclusion focused cultural events have occurred in Dubai over the past decade according to records from local government bodies.
Dubai Municipality figures show that 90 percent of the emirate’s beaches and 80 percent of its public parks hold full accessibility designations for People of Determination. The certification process includes staff training on support for mobility challenges autism spectrum disorder and sensory sensitivities a municipality assessment found. These physical improvements provide context for cultural productions such as When Words Fall Silent that address social inclusion.
The AccessAbilities Expo held annually in Dubai has drawn approximately 12 000 people of determination from 22 countries across the Middle East according to event organisers. The gathering displays around 4 500 assistive technologies and promotes policy development for independent living a WAM dispatch reported. The October play added an artistic perspective to these broader inclusion activities in the emirate.
Organisers framed the two day staging as an immersive experience designed to let audiences encounter communication that extends past spoken words. The authority listed the event within its October cultural programming. Participation by the Rashid Centre formed part of its established role in creative programs for individuals with disabilities across the UAE.
