The opening event saw a performance by the QF's Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by noted Qatari singer Fahad al-Kubaisi.
Hadeer Omar, assistant professor at QF partner Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar and an independently practising new media artist, showcased a light and visual experience.
Other performances included that by Al Kufiya dabke group, a bicycle painting show by Fatima al-Naimi, and an interactive drumming experience.
Qatari actor Ghanim al-Sulaiti spoke at the D’reesha opening ceremony, saying: “Art is a very natural skill that is innate to humans, and a human will enhance this skill with practice, experience, and study.”
“As we are here at Qatar Foundation’s Education City, we use this occasion to re-emphasise the importance of education,” he said. “We look forward to Qatar Foundation continuing to play an active role in supporting the performing arts, through its projects and initiatives.”
“This inaugural edition of the D’reesha performing arts festival also reflects the connection between art and science, which is important in building the artistic community, and also in shaping communities that are based on beauty and justice,” al-Sulaiti added.
Qatari researcher and entrepreneur Rooda al-Qebaisi, an alumni of the QF’s *Stars of Science, also spoke at the ceremony: “Science and art have always been connected, and this relationship is a very integrated one.”
“Passion is something that scientists and researchers have in common with artists,” she said. “This is what motivated me to participate in *Stars of Science and to live this experience by creating a smart application related to events management.”
“Through this innovation, I sought to make people’s lives easier when they want to attend artistic performances, and help give them the opportunity to enjoy these performances in a creative way,” al-Qebaisi added. “Science, research, and the arts have one mission: supporting the growth and the happiness of societies.”
D’reesha is taking place until December 17, from 5pm-8pm each day.
As part of the week’s line-up of cultural shows and performances, visitors will be able to enjoy the QF’s *Showtime! musical today, a Latin Fuego show on Wednesday, and Dana Alfardan’s Indigo concert on Thursday.
Over the course of the festival, performances will span different focus areas – such as research, education, technology, and science – and will take place at the Green Spine, the Ceremonial Court, and Chef’s Garden at Education City, adhering to local physical distancing guidelines.
D’reesha is being held during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, and will give visitors the chance to learn more about Education City’s vibrant community ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
