Dr. Ajaj Saleem

A university professor and theatre director; researcher, author, and translator with more than 32 years of experience in directing, academic education, cultural and artistic administration, and festival organization.

He holds a PhD in the Philosophy of Artistic Sciences (Directing) from the St. Petersburg State Academy of Theatre, Music, and Cinema, and specializes in the methodology of the world director Michael Chekhov.

He held prominent academic and administrative positions, including Dean of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, Director of the National Theatre, and Artistic Director of Sharjah National Theatre.

He also founded and led the Performing Arts and Theatre Directing Department at the Arab International University, a role he still holds.

He has directed more than 40 theatre productions, including: “Safar Barlik” (Mamdouh Adwan), “Twelfth Night” (William Shakespeare), and “The Cherry Orchard” (Chekhov), among others.

He has written and translated multiple plays for children and adults.

He has participated in many theatre festivals and scientific seminars, presenting research papers and articles on theatre and cinema.

He has also served on academic juries and at Arab and international festivals.

He has received awards and certificates of honor from major Arab and international festivals, including the Damascus Theatre Festival, the Sharjah Theatre Festival, the Carthage Festival, and the Jordanian Theatre Festival.