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 Sharjah 24, 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 need to overcome shyness and fear, particularly when mistakes occur during a performance, stating, “We will make mistakes; there is no way around it. The real skill is not letting those mistakes throw us off balance but recovering from them without losing control.”
El Sawy drew parallels between acting and everyday professions, explaining that lawyers, street vendors, and con artists adopt distinct personas to engage and persuade others, highlighting the importance of developing a convincing character. He stressed that being good-looking is not enough and emphasized the importance of having character. He also underlined 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 including The Blue Elephant and El Deif (The Guest), El Sawy explained that effective communication requires full-body engagement rather than relying solely on vocal power. He mentioned that a powerful voice comes from the support of the entire body, adding that performers must learn to speak clearly, confidently, and with resonance so their message is understood and remembered. During the workshop, participants were invited onto the stage to perform scenes and express a range of emotions, allowing them to put the techniques into practice.
Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, SIBF 2026 brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. The 12-day event features 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic activities, including literary discussions, author interactions, workshops, theatrical performances, the Thriller Festival, and the Cookery Corner.