Sharjah 24: The Cultural and Media Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs recently staged the play "The Night Before Last" at the Cultural Palace in Sharjah, running for three consecutive days from October 9th to 11th.

This production, brought to life by the "Family Theatre Team" within the office, features two talented actresses, Wafa and Fatima Abdullah, and was well-received by a diverse audience, including Yahya Al Badri, the executive director of the Sharjah National Theatre.

The play delves into the emotional and societal dimensions of a mother's experience when her youngest child departs, leaving her to grapple with solitude and lingering concerns. On the eve of her daughter's wedding, a heartfelt conversation unfolds between the mother and her daughter, who is poised to marry and move into her husband's household. They reflect on shared memories and the challenges they've faced, sometimes with the father's presence and other times in his absence. Meanwhile, as the daughter prepares for marriage, an unexpected twist captivates the audience.

This play was presented with the aim of promoting fundamental family values and principles, a goal held dear by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah. Yahya Al Badri, commending the performance, noted that the play possesses a philosophical depth and aligns closely with the cultural background of the playwright, who excels at effectively conveying the creator's message to the audience. Notably, it also bears a strong resemblance to French theatre.

The play had previously made an appearance in the Kingdom of Morocco, where the office, through its Family Theatre initiative, took part in the Arab Women Creators Forum. The event was dedicated to celebrating female playwrights and directors in Arab theatre, fostering an exchange of experiences and mutual trust between the participating parties. The play garnered praise and acclaim, both from the audience and from critics. Furthermore, it graced the stage during the ceremony honouring the winners of the Sharjah Award for Gulf Women's Creativity in its fifth edition.