‘Life in Doha swirls with culture and community’
Established in 1954, the Doha Players is a not-for-profit community theatre group that provides theatre-based entertainment for the benefit of the Doha community. The Doha Players archives hold programmes and photographs from the 1950s until the present day providing treasured and invaluable insights into life and culture in Doha. The Doha Players origins can be traced back to 1954 when people started arriving in Qatar to work in the oil and gas industry. Engineers, doctors, nurses and teachers-to name but a few- came to work in newly established schools, hospitals and businesses. At this, time Qatar was changing from the lean times of the war years to a rapidly expanding economy with an increasing multi-national population. From the 1950’s to the 1970’s Qatar’s population increased at a spectacular rate from 14,000 to around 83,000. With this population explosion came a wealth of talent, interests, culture, knowledge, and, of course, drama!
Amateur dramatics grew at a steady pace during this period. One can see the rise and success of Doha Players mirroring the growth of Doha, from a modest city to the vibrant, successful and magnetic metropolis it has become today. Along with this growth and popularity, of course, came the need for more entertainment. And Doha Players stepped up to the mark.
These talented thespians have never shied away from challenges and have tackled some ambitious and stirring projects ranging from: Jack in the Beanstalk to Hot Mikado and An Inspector Calls. More recent productions include: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Blood Brothers-the musical, The 39 Steps and the fabulously entertaining pantomime Cinderella.
The Doha Players memoirs are a unique and rich insight to life in Doha swirling with culture and community, ethnic diversity and influences. Talent shines through from photographs and programmes, across nations, countries and cultures all shaping and mindful of each other.
Doha Players has always embodied diversity and creativity. The spirit of co-operation and acceptance have been paramount since its inception. More recent performances have been held in such iconic buildings as the National Museum of Qatar, Qatar National Convention Centre, Qatar National Theatre, and Education City Black Box Theatre.
People from all over the world get involved with the Doha Players, including those from: Australia, America, Argentina, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey and Wales.
The Doha Players has, and always has had, an open-door policy and welcomes theatre enthusiasts. A theatre company, or a play, cannot exist without people or indeed, without an audience! People and theatre are a tangible mix. What is intangible is the representation of understanding, emotion, psychology, comedy, history, motivations, and resolution. It can entertain and educate but also provides a shared experience to process these emotions.
Theatre is a way for all people, all walks of life, and communities to come together.
Why not try? It could be the act of your life.
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts.
~William Shakespeare
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