Ammon News - AMMONNEWS – Many positive life-changing lessons were shared at the 6th newthink Theater event held under the slogan “Please Disturb” – a concept based on the famous quote by Indian philosopher Osho: “When the new knocks on your door, open it”. The newthink Theater event was held on 12th December at the Cultural Palace in Al Hussein Youth City.

Over 1,500 youth and adults from across Jordan’s governorates attended the event, united by their passion for improving their lives, their dedication to creating a promising future for themselves and their determination to succeed. Attendees included a group of deaf youth who overcame all challenges to prove themselves capable of blending into their communities and constructively interacting with others. Jordanian filmmaker Ghada Saba cut short her participation in the Dubai International Film Festival to produce and direct the 6th newthink Theater event.

At the beginning of the event, newthink Theater Founder Maher Kaddoura touched on the importance of Umniah’s role as the Theater’s strategic partner throughout the upcoming year in ensuring the initiative’s sustainability. In turn, Umniah’s CEO Ihab Hinnawi explained that Umniah’s corporate identity is fundamentally linked to youth and innovation, and expressed the Company’s keenness to continuously support youth so as to help showcase and develop their talents, thus empowering them to become agents of change in their communities. This strategic partnership falls under Umniah’s Belonging to Inspiration and its interest in encouraging youth to think outside the box. Kaddoura also thanked the Public Security Directorate, the University of Jordan and Ro’ya TV for supporting the initiative.

The event kicked off with a folklore Dabkeh dance by the Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Club for the Deaf and Mute that displayed the dancers’ exceptional artistic skill. The dancers shared with Kaddoura their determination to express and develop their creativity without allowing their loss of hearing to hinder them. The folklore dance was followed by an uplifting speech by Ahmad Asad entitled “Who Am I” that covered surfacing talents during childhood and the importance of nurturing, developing and assessing these talents rather than suppressing them. The audience enthusiastically engaged with Asad in response to his inquiry whether they felt they were talented.

Meanwhile, Rabeah Nasser inspired mothers and fathers when she discussed “The Importance of the Story”, asking parents to encourage their children to embrace storytelling and highlighting the impact that such pursuits have on children’s personalities and imaginations. Citing her childhood as an example, Nasser stressed the role that her mother played in her education and recalled the countless hours she spent reading in the attic and losing herself in the experience.

Lina Hindeila elaborated on “What Makes a Good Entrepreneur”, and explained that her passion for chocolate drove her to enter the chocolate manufacturing industry. She interviewed Rami Al Qadi and Abdullah Kafwain about their experience in pioneering the manufacture of the first desert vehicle of its kind. Al Qadi and Kafwain spoke about their determination to triumph in the face of failure, and the importance of avoiding negative people or influences. They noted that a tactic which helped them stay motivated was their mutual pact to not allow themselves feel frustrated at the same time. Hindeila also interviewed Mahmoud Shattel who perfected the art of manufacturing wind-powered turbines.

Mazen Zoubi surprised the audience by driving his motorcycle onstage. Zoubi shared his ambition to meet the world record of driving a motorcycle on one wheel over a 331km distance without his feet touching the ground. “People fail only when they give up,” he told the audience.

Zaid Modhi delivered an evocative and varied musical performance on the Oud and piano that reflected people’s moods during different hours of the day. “Music feeds the soul. If we offer music to our souls, we will receive happiness in return,” he said. Modhi’s performance of “Mawtini” (My Homeland) anthem – which he described as a powerful song that stirs strong feelings of patriotism – was met with a standing ovation. Fitness instructor Ammar Sabbah conducted a lecture on “Attacking Fat” which tackled the topic of physical fitness and the effect that healthy daily habits have on people’s lives, such as eating habits, drinking coffee and the importance of sleep and sitting properly.

Kaddoura interviewed Jordan Museum’s General Manager Fares Al-Nimri, who spoke about the importance of preserving Jordan’s historic legacy. Al-Nimri underscored the Museum as a significant national project and encouraged Jordanians to visit it and learn more about the artifacts and historical treasures it holds. Renowned artist Aziz Maraka performed a song entitled “Lawwih Bi Taraf El Mandeel” (Wave the Handkerchief) as a tribute to the late Jordanian artist Tawfiq Nimri.

The newthink Theater event concluded its activities with a musical performance by the Public Security Directorate’s Brass Band.

The newthink Theater initiative was launched by Al-Jude for Scientific Care in 2009, and aims to artfully tackle key issues in the community through an inventive theatrical approach. The initiative primarily targets students, youth and private, public and governmental organizations, in addition to prominent cultural, social and economic figures and various audio, visual and printed media entities.

For more information about newthink Theater or to watch previous clips, visit www.nttheater.com