Jacqui George: Inside World Stage Design 2025
Host Anna Robb speaks with Jacqui George, Project Director for World Stage Design 2025, co-produced by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and OISTAT. They discuss the event’s vision, sustainable focus, regional participation, and how this global gathering will transform the world of performance design. Check out this preview, and don’t miss the full episode next week!
What is World Stage Design, and how are preparations going for the 2025 edition in Sharjah?
World Stage Design (WSD) is a global expo held every four years that showcases excellence in performance design. The 2025 edition, hosted in Sharjah, UAE, is co-produced by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and OISTAT. Preparations are in full swing, with the event scheduled for October 18–25, 2025. Over 1,000 design entries were submitted from around the world, and a jury of 16 professionals selected the top 100, which will be exhibited. The event includes four major components: the international exhibition, CENAFest (the festival program), the Theatre Architecture Competition, and the Technical Invention Prize.
How was Sharjah selected as the host, and what themes define this edition?
Sharjah was awarded the sixth edition in 2021, marking the first time WSD will be held in the MENA region. The bid emphasized two key themes: sustainability and cultural responsiveness. All programming, from exhibitions to competitions, is viewed through a sustainable lens. The goal is to honor local and global cultures while looking to the future—what Jacqui calls “tomorrow’s heritage.” This philosophy has shaped jury criteria, curated events, and artist collaborations, ensuring that the programming is both innovative and rooted in place.
What are some highlights of the 2025 program?
The program is rich and varied, designed to engage seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. Highlights include immersive performances like Sun Akram’s Alam et Alam, a commissioned dance-costume collaboration with Saudi designer Nuf Malawi, and Connected Homes by Emirati artist Abdullah Alnayadi, exploring cultural nostalgia and community. CENAFest features masterclasses, talks, and performances. There’s also a collaboration between a puppet master and lighting designer exploring how puppetry is lit. The Theatre Architecture Competition invites designs for performance spaces inspired by heritage buildings in Sharjah, while the Technical Invention Prize, still open for entries, focuses on backstage innovations.
How was the program curated, and how are local voices included?
Curation was a collaborative process involving OISTAT commissions, an open public call, and targeted outreach to regional creators. The organizing team gathered input from artists, designers, and educators through events like Sikka Art and Design Festival in Dubai. Submissions were received from places as diverse as the Philippines and Romania, offering fresh perspectives on lighting, scenography, and storytelling. Local talents and institutions are featured prominently, reinforcing the event’s goal of spotlighting the vibrant creative landscape of the GCC.
How can people attend, and what should they know about logistics?
Tickets are designed to be accessible: an all-inclusive 8-day pass is priced at 250 AED (~50 GBP), with single-day passes available for 50 AED. While the majority of sessions will take place in person across three main Sharjah locations—SPAA, Sharjah Research and Technology Park, and the Heart of Sharjah—a limited number of online resources and a digital catalog will be available. The event website offers a “Visit Sharjah” section with detailed travel tips, accommodation options for all budgets, and local attractions. Jacqui emphasized that the hospitality in Sharjah is exceptional and encourages attendees to explore beyond the event itself.
Key Insights from the Podcast
- Global Expo in the MENA Region
World Stage Design 2025 will take place in Sharjah, UAE, marking the first time the event is hosted in the Middle East. It runs October 18–25, 2025 and is co-produced by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and OISTAT. - Themes of Sustainability and Cultural Heritage
The 2025 edition is guided by sustainability and cultural responsiveness, exploring how theatre design can honor both tradition and innovation—what Jacqui calls “tomorrow’s heritage.” - Rich and Inclusive Programming
The event includes an international design exhibition, CENAFest (talks, workshops, and performances), a Theatre Architecture Competition, and a Technical Invention Prize—featuring both global and regional creators. - Accessible and Community-Driven
Tickets are affordably priced (250 AED for the full 8 days), with efforts made to include diverse voices through public calls, regional outreach, and international submissions from over 1,000 designers. - Spotlight on the GCC Creative Scene
The event offers a unique opportunity to showcase the growing performance design ecosystem in the Gulf, with special works from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond, reflecting a vibrant and often overlooked artistic community.
Main Image: Courtesy of https://www.sharjahwsd2025.com/scenofest
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