Dhofar… Where Theater Becomes a Bridge between Civilizations
Souad Khalil | Libya
In the far south of Oman, where mountains meet the sea and nature exudes its unique charm, the city of Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate hosts a promising international theatrical event: Ophir (Ofeer) International Theatre Nights Festival. This festival serves as a vibrant artistic platform for creative dialogue and cultural exchange among theater practitioners from around the world.
The festival, in its international edition – the Duodrama version – offers a specialized artistic vision focused on two-person performances. These performances rely on intense dramatic construction, emphasizing the strength of the text, the depth of the idea, and the performers’ energy. This approach underscores the principle that theater does not need an abundance of elements, but rather demands authentic expression and the intensity of human action.
Festival Identity and Foundations
The festival derives its name from “Ophir” or “Ofeer” the historical name of Dhofar, reflecting its rich cultural heritage dating back to the third millennium BCE, when the region was a trading and cultural hub connected to ancient civilizations. From this historical depth stems the festival’s philosophy, which views theater as a human act that transcends borders.
The festival features competitive performances, workshops, intellectual panels, and critical dialogues, making it a comprehensive cultural space that goes beyond mere performance to include reflection, discussion, and the building of theatrical knowledge.
The first international edition is scheduled to take place from May 5 to 10, 2026 in Salalah, with an open invitation to drama artists from around the world to participate in this cultural celebration.
About the Organizers
The festival is organized by the Affer National Theater Company, an Omani theater troupe operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, headquartered in Salalah.
The company implements its initiatives, including organizing the offer International Theater Festival, according to a strategic plan devised by its Board of Directors. This plan aims to support the theatrical movement, enhance cultural activities in Dhofar, and open new avenues for contemporary creativity. Choosing the historical name “Offer” reflects a conscious connection to the local roots and the deep cultural heritage, forming the basis of the company’s artistic vision and institutional ambition.
Through the festival, the company seeks to encourage innovative theatrical experiments, discover new voices, and present contemporary perspectives that contribute to renewing theatrical discourse, establishing Dhofar as a cultural hub on the Arab and international theater map.
The Or International Theater Festival is not merely a temporary artistic event; it is a cultural project grounded in the belief that theater is a space for human connection, a bridge for intercultural dialogue, and a platform for freely expressing the major questions that concern humanity across time and place.
In Dhofar, where the scent of history harmonizes with the openness of the present, theater becomes an act of belonging to beauty, to living words, and to humanity itself. Here, the festival asserts its position as a promising endeavor that seeks to be an artistic voice reflecting the spirit of the age, affirming that true creativity begins from the roots yet always reaches for the horizons of the world.
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Souad Khalil, hailing from Benghazi Libya, is a writer, poet, and translator. She has been writing on culture, literature and other general topics.
