Hollywood calls

A NEW theatrical endeavour is taking shape in the kingdom, raising the curtain on local talent as the newly-formed Bahrain International Community Theatre Group (BICTG), writes May Al Mousawi.

David Hollywood, the brains behind the operation, is in the process of establishing the island as a new hub for the arts in the region.

The project will offer performers an opportunity to delve into the dramatic field and attract backstage operatives from different spectrums of the industry.

The Irish-born father-of-four, from Al Jasra, said: “It’s not just about actors and acting, it’s about all types of artists. A balanced set of creative people are needed to make an academy successful. The hidden talents of stage craft are as important as the theatre itself.

“The BICTG will be a true reflection of the community of Bahrain. It is important to have a significant number of Bahraini participants too. The most attractive feature about living in a different country is experiencing the culture and spending time with the local population.”

David’s background as a trade consultant and advisor for governments, as well as a marketing mentor, has sent him around the world, living in the US, Moldova, Ukraine, the UK, Russia and France before finally making Bahrain his home three years ago.

It wasn’t until he was giving a lecture on classical history in Ireland that David realised his acting potential when someone from the audience advised him to audition for a part in an upcoming play. “I got the role and I have been involved in the dramatic arts ever since,” he said. “No matter what country my wife, Ruth, and my children - Rebekah, Saul, Daniel and David - and I have been living in, I’ve tried to find a theatre company I can engage with.”

David now has 12 years of theatre experience under his belt and has found joy being a member of the Manama Theatre Club. However, wanting to be part of a larger community theatre, David went on a search, and to his amazement there were none to be found.

“Being a member of the Bahrain Writers’ Circle, I decided to send an email to the members and to ask if they were interested in forming a theatre group,” he said. “I was stunned by the encouragement I received and it stimulated me to do more about it.”

He went into the community to engage with educational institutes and soon realised the desire for a theatre group was resounding.

Consequently, David talked to the Ministry of Culture, who introduced him to Andrea Porcheddu, the director of the new National Theatre of Bahrain, which is scheduled to open this year. Together they went on a hunt for local artistic talent and are now in discussion with the ministry about utilising the practice area of the theatre as BICTG’s home.
“If that comes through, it means we could be up-and-running immediately,” he said. “The facilities the theatre will offer are first class.”

David talked to several institutions to help fund his creative endeavours and contacted a number of theatre companies around the world to contribute workshops to the programme. He said: “If we can include these workshops from well-known institutions then we have the foundations to build a very enthusiastic and talented community.

“Another workshop we hope to provide, through institutions here in Bahrain, is scriptwriting. With this we can convert historical fables and famous Arabic writings into performances which should attract many locals to join.

“Now we have a potential home, an educational programme, theatre facilities and funding, all the bases necessary to get up-and-running.”

David explained BICTG will relate to the culture, society, history and written word of the kingdom, as well as potentially putting Bahrain on the map as a country boasting an extensive range of theatrical talent. “I love this country,” he added. “The people are beautiful and their engagement inspiring. There’s a lot of talent, so I’m happy to be providing them with an outlet.”

The group’s next meeting will take place on September 18 at Café Ceramique in Al A’ali Mall at 7.30pm.

For more information, email bictheatre@gmail.com