Dubai 22 March 2018 - The Ismaili Centre Dubai together with Art Dubai (a collaboration now in its sixth year), The Aga Khan Museum Toronto and the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai, hosted a performance by Master Orator and critically acclaimed veteran actor Zia Mohyeddin.

Zia Mohyeddin, performed “Why is Shakespeare Shakespeare” at the Ismaili Centre Dubai and enchanted the audience with his narration of Shakespeare  showcasing an astute mastery of style, tone and rhythm.

 Zia Mohyeddin who is a recipient of the prestigious Hilal -I -Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence- awarded by the President of Pakistan) started his reading career reciting short selections from English poetry delivered over radio and television in the United Kingdom. He is the founder of the National Academy of Performing Arts, Pakistan, of which he is currently the President and CEO. A highly acclaimed international performer, he has recently performed twice at The Aga Khan Museum, Toronto.

Her Excellency Marcy Grossmann, the Canadian Consul General, speaking of the event said, “The relationships between the Ismaili communities across Canada and the UAE are strong, much of which is due to the hard work of our partners in building the bridge between our two nations. We applaud their work and look forward to celebrating unity, peaceful pluralism and art this evening.”  

In his opening address, Amiruddin Thanawalla (President of the Ismaili Community in the UAE) noted…, “Today’s partnership event with Art Dubai is an example of how the Ismaili Centre Dubai is actively pursuing a mandate to foster knowledge and facilitate mutual exchanges and understanding.”

This model of collaboration represents a unique partnership between a civil society institution, a diplomatic mission and a Canadian museum with a global mandate. In recent years this partnership has showcased presentations and artefacts and this year we turn to the performing arts”.