Qatar Theater; a Show of Academic and Civil Progress & Islamic Values

Arabic theater in Qatar dates back to 1971 after Qatar gained its independence from Britain. The first official theater company was founded in Qatar in 1972. The Qatari Theatrical Troupe was the country's first official theater group, which started producing theater in 1972, irantheater.ir reported.

One year later, the second troupe, Al Sadd Theatrical Troupe was founded. These two troupes produced their pieces, inspired by the folk and Arabic traditions of the Qatari nation. The number of troupes reached four by 1994. These four troupes merged together to start Qatari Theatrical Troupe and the Doha Theatrical troupe.

The Doha Players was the oldest amateur theater troupe in Qatar, which was founded in 1954. They performed pieces in English and established their own theater venue in 1978.

Qatar Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage inaugurated a magnificent mansion for theater and concert in Doha. It is called Qatar National Theater.  The Qatar National Convention Center is a modern theater venues. It has hosted several large pieces and concert since its opening in 2011.

Contrary to 1980s and 1990s, the taste of Qatari audience has changed. They no longer show much interest in traditional and folk theater. The Qatar government uses theater as medium to picture academic and civil progresses and bolster Islamic values. One of the most controversial plays of recent years is penned by Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, entitled Ommul Zain. The play criticizes polygamy.