Sharjah:Egyptian actor and director Khaled El Sawy emphasized the importance of confidence, character development, and discipline in acting during an interactive workshop at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).
According to Wam, the three-hour session, titled 'Acting Studio: From Training to the Stage', explored techniques for voice control, spatial awareness, and commanding an audience's attention with confidence and authenticity. El Sawy highlighted the necessity of overcoming shyness and fear, especially when mistakes occur during a performance.
El Sawy explained that the ability to recover from mistakes without losing control is a crucial skill in acting. He drew parallels between acting and everyday professions such as lawyering and street vending, pointing out that these roles require developing convincing personas to engage and persuade others. He stressed that having character is more important than just being good-looking.
He also emphasized the significance of discipline, respect for fellow performers, and consideration for time and the performance venue as essential elements of professional acting. Known for films like The Blue Elephant and El Deif (The Guest), El Sawy explained that effective communication requires full-body engagement, not just vocal power.
During the workshop, El Sawy invited participants onto the stage to perform scenes and express a range of emotions, allowing them to practice the techniques discussed. The Sharjah International Book Fair, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, features 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing over 1.7 million titles. The 12-day event includes 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic activities.