Kevin Spacey to open theatre academy

Together with Badr Jafar, Executive Director, Crescent Petroleum and CEO of Crescent Investments, KSF announced a joined initiative to launch the programme designed to “bring theatre to the Middle East”, and introduce the youth to the art of stage performance.

KSF was launched in November 2010 to help advance and promote creative arts for public benefit through the training and education of writers, actors, producers and directors.

Spacey views his Foundation as a means of “giving back” to the community, supporting those with passion and potential to succeed in the competitive worlds of film and theatre.

On the occasion of the launch, Spacey said: “My mentor Jack Lemmon had a phrase that he used all the time, which I’ve now adopted as my own. He believed that if you’ve been successful in your chosen path, then ‘sending the elevator back down’ is your obligation.

‘That’s why I’ve set up The Kevin Spacey Foundation and I am thrilled to be able to be developing this Academy for the Middle East Region for this purpose. I personally admire the talents found in this region as many shifts are happening, to be precise I enjoyed watching the ‘City of Life’ movie and ‘The Kite Runner’, as you can observe those stories and learn from other cultures from different parts of the world.”

Speaking at the announcement, Jafar said, “Using existing venues and facilities wherever possible, The Middle East Theatre Academy, with the Kevin Spacey Foundation and supported by the private-sector in our region, will strive to bridge any geographical barriers and offer our youth and budding artists an otherwise elusive opportunity to explore all aspects of theatre.”

ahmedjamal@khaleejtimes.com