Commissioned, produced and presented by ADMAF, this captivating play explores bureaucratic struggles in the workplace with humour and satire, showcasing local talent.

Abu Dhabi, 11 October 2024: The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is proud to announce the world premiere of Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle, a new Emirati theatre production, set to take the stage at The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi on October 18 and 19, 2024. Directed by Reem Almenhali and written by Ahmed Almadloum, this absurd and satirical play humorously exposes the bureaucratic inconveniences of the workplace, offering an entertaining and insightful exploration of office life.

Commissioned and produced by ADMAF, and co-presented by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle is a testament to ADMAF’s commitment to investing in the youth and Arabic language theatre makers as part of their education & community initiative, UAE Theatre Circle. This captivating play also receives UAE touring support from the Ministry of Culture, reflecting a national dedication to elevating Emirati voices in the arts.

Her Excellency Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, emphasised the importance of investing in the potential of our nation’s youth, empowering them to realise their dreams and ambitions by providing opportunities to develop their professional skills and thrive.  H.E. highlighted the need to foster creative thinking and free, renewed thought to enable young people to contribute to the advancement of a progressive future and sustainable development for the UAE.

H.E. stated: 'We produced and commissioned the captivating play, Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle, as part of our efforts to empower young creatives and showcase their creativity locally and on the world stage. We strive to encourage them, enhance their experiences, and equip them with high-level skills in performing arts—whether in directing, producing, or acting.'

Her Excellency continued: 'This theatrical production, directed by Reem Al Menhali, the 2020 Gulf Capital Creativity Award winner, sheds light on the bureaucracies of work-life with humour and satire, fostering critical thinking among students and raising audience awareness by addressing the commonalities that unite them, regardless of their diverse cultures.

Rooted in Emirati culture, the performance offers universal themes that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Using humour as a vehicle, the play sheds light on the mundane yet surreal nature of office life—transforming everyday tasks, such as sending emails and holding funerals for lost pens, into moments of comedic revelation. While presented through the lens of Emirati culture, the play’s exploration of bureaucratic struggles in the workplace is universally relatable, resonating with audiences around the globe. The performance will be presented in Arabic, with English surtitles, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences. With a blend of local artistry and universal relatability, Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle invites viewers to reflect on work-life with humour and satire.

At the heart of this production are the Emirati talents who have brought it to life. Director Reem Almenhali is a renowned Emirati performance artist with a rich background in theatre, known for her work that blends poetic and visual forms to explore human experience. Playwright Ahmed Almadloum’s unique satirical voice shines through in this piece, as he draws on his background as a journalist and technologist to infuse the play with sharp, comedic insights.

The world premiere of Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle at NYU Arts Center Abu Dhabi offers a unique opportunity to witness the growth of Emirati performing arts. ADMAF’s role in commissioning this production underscores its commitment to supporting emerging Emirati talent and ensuring their voices are heard on local and international stages.