Katara has revived the ancient art of Arab storytelling at this year’s Ramadan Festival through the presence of Hakawati (storyteller) further enhancing the ambience of the festival.
A stage has been set up at the festival’s main venue located in the southern area of Katara where a storyteller, dressed in a typical hakawati costume weaves tales to entertain visitors.
The story-teller enchants the audience mostly composed of children with his bewitching tales told in an expressive voice enhanced by gestures and facial expression. He takes the audience on a journey to the world of fantasy and legends with his amazing anecdotes of heroes and myths from the olden times.
The young crowd gathered around the stage listens with interest and enthusiasm as he tells tales of the sea, of Sinbad’s magical adventures as he voyages across Africa and South Asia encountering monsters and supernatural beings. Sinbad is among the exciting stories told by the storyteller from the popular “One Thousand and One Nights.” For many generations, oral storytelling has been a tradition in the country and the region, a major source of legends and tales. Hakawatis had an important role to play in entertainment in Arab communities when television and movies were not yet present in the region.
“Katara’s initiative to include the concept of the storyteller to the festival is commendable. In an age of technological advancement when the primary source of entertainment is the Internet, it is important to remind the new generation to look back to the past and pay homage to their ancestors and this initiative in a way achieves it,” said Mustafa, a visitor at the festival.
The story-teller is present throughout the holy month at the festival from 9pm to midnight at Meerat Ramadan theatre. Comprising more than 200 events and activities, this year’s Katara Ramadan Festival is a must-visit during the holy month.