The spread of theatrical performances and plays in schools: Is there a guiding word?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner says: Recently, there has been an expansion in theatrical performances, including their preparation and promotion. Is there a word to say to them?

Answer:
As long as theatrical performances are being decided upon in schools, or in some schools, or in all of them, and are also being decided upon in summer centers, this is a gradual progression toward theaters. So Muslims must be alert to this and settle the matter, not allowing theatrical performances and plays to be [accepted], even to the point where they say that they are among the means of da'wah (calling others to Islam). They have made them a means of da'wah. Da'wah is in no need of these matters. Da'wah is through the Book and the Sunnah, and the methodology of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and the methodology of the imams who call to Allah the Exalted. This is the obligatory duty. So these matters, and what leads to them, and what is a means to them, are to be abandoned. Yes.