What is the ruling on theatrical performances at the end of the school term?

The questioner : Regarding the shows put on at the end of the school year in schools, which are in the form of a play for this scene or that scene, and this scene has benefit, is there any harm in that?

The Shaykh : Theatrical performances actually have conditions.

The questioner : Okay, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : These conditions are not met. Among their conditions is that they must be purposeful, meaning they provide guidance to the audience and are not merely laughter and play. Another condition is that they must not depict people of honor, knowledge, and status, such as the Companions and the imams. Another condition is that a woman must not portray a man, nor a man portray a woman. Another condition is that they must not imitate animals, such as the barking of dogs or the braying of donkeys. Another condition is that they must not contain lying. The important point is that acting has conditions. Some of our contemporary brothers have said that acting is not permissible under any circumstances, but we hold that if the conditions are met and the concerns are removed, then