SHARJAH, UAE- The familiar story of Cinderella took on a contemporary twist at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), as CINDY 3.0 combined live theatrical performance with artificial intelligence to offer audiences a fresh interpretation of the much-loved fairy tale.
Presented at the fair’s Theatre, the production brought together live acting and digital elements, giving families an opportunity to experience how emerging technologies can complement traditional storytelling.
The performances attracted visitors of different ages, with children following Cinderella’s story alongside their parents. The production introduced younger audiences to the possibilities of contemporary theatre while offering families a shared cultural experience.
Ahmed Abu el-Naga, a member of the organising team, highlighted the importance of such experiences in bringing families closer and introducing children to the arts.
“Experiences like this create meaningful connections between parents and their children. When families enjoy a performance together, they build memories that stay with them, while giving children an opportunity to discover the arts in an enjoyable and memorable way.”
He added: “By presenting familiar stories through new forms of performance, we can spark children’s curiosity, nurture their love of art and encourage them to explore different forms of creativity. It is important that they see art as something they can enjoy, engage with and carry with them as they grow.”
With live performers at the centre of the production, CINDY 3.0 demonstrated how technology can offer new possibilities for theatrical storytelling without replacing the human expression that defines live performance.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 guests from 25 countries.
