Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry

Special Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
1 / 3
The winners at Riyadh Theater Festival with the officials. (AN Photo/Hebshi Alshammari)
Special Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
2 / 3
A large audience attended the events, activities and theatrical performances of the Riyadh Theater Festival. (AN Photo/Hebshi Alshammari)
Special Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
3 / 3
Ten theatrical performances participated in Riyadh Theater Festival to compete for the festival’s eleven awards. (AN Photo/Hebshi Alshammari)
Short Url
Updated 26 December 2023
Follow

Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry

Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
  • Riyadh festival a new ‘starting point’ for local productions, says commission official
  • 20 plays in 8 cities over 100 nights show rise in audience interest

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is laying the foundations for a flourishing performing arts industry, according to a local official, as the Riyadh Theater Festival ended this week with an awards ceremony that honored local talent.

The festival, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Theater and Performing Arts Commission, was the culmination of a tour that saw 20 plays performed for local audiences across the country.

“The first Riyadh Theater Festival will constitute a new starting point for Saudi theater,” said Sultan Al-Bazei, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission.

“Showing 20 plays in eight cities for more than 100 nights means that there is interest from the audience and activity from the theater teams to produce works that are closer to the audience … and this is one of the main goals included in the strategy of the theater commission,” Al-Bazei told Arab News.

“The future of Saudi theater will be prosperous and brilliant in the near future,” he said.

Al-Bazei said greater support is now being provided for groups: “Now we have the possibility of granting theater groups a work license, and this means that the theater groups will be able to carry out their work normally, without obstacles and without the need for umbrellas to contain their activities … this makes it easier for the commission to provide support to them in all fields.”

On the significance of theater as a platform for art and creativity, in light of the Kingdom’s burgeoning cultural scene, he added: “The theatrical movement leads the arts as a laboratory for developing abilities and talents … in addition to creating stars in acting.”

He said the commission has been running regular training courses over the years to develop talent in all areas of production.

“I expect an increase in output and an improvement in the quality of performance when the activities of the Theater Academy begin, which are expected at the beginning of the coming year,” Al-Bazei said.

At the awards in Riyadh, the play “Sea” by the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association Troupe, took four of the festival’s 11 honors, including for best play and best ‎integrated ‎show.

For “Sea,” the best music award went to Issa Al-Rasheed, Amr Al-Khamis and Ahmed Al-Muwaijd, with Shehab Al-Shehab taking the best actor category, and Sultan Al-Noah winning for best director.

For the play “Beginnings of Abandonment” by the Close Media Ensemble, Houria Ashour won for best costumes; Abdullah Dawari took the best lighting award for “Light” by the Taif Theater‎ Troupe; Abdullah Balais for best script for “Slap” by the Kalos Ensemble; Badr Al-Hamidi for best sets for “Slap;” Khaled Al-Ruwaiei for scenography for “The Last Shadow” by the National Theater Ensemble‎‎‎; and Adhwa Fahad won the best actress award for her performance in “The Forbidden” by the First Leap Club Troupe.

The theater sector has seen significant growth since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the setting up of the commission and the establishment of the National Theater.

According to a recent report from the Ministry of Culture, during 2022 there were 427 plays of all types held across the country.

Ahmed Ismail, a literary critic, told Arab News: “The importance of theater stems from the famous saying: ‘Give me bread and a theater and I will give you great people.’ For theater is a mirror that reflects the features of society.

“Theater contributes to shaping the awareness and thoughts of its members by drawing human characters and models that resemble them, and providing them with … psychological worlds that are similar to their world.”

Ismail, who is a member of the editorial board of the Popular Arts magazine issued by the General Egyptian Book Organization, added: “Theater enhances human communication between actors and the audience through a unique artistic experience that cannot be obtained by watching the play on television or through the internet.”

“In addition, theater stimulates the individual to think critically and see things from a different perspective by presenting social and moral problems facing the play’s heroes.”

He added: “In the same context, theater raises important societal issues in an objective manner and provides solutions to them, which helps change society for the better. It also helps dialogue between different groups of society, and contributes to bringing about positive changes.”

He added that “theater is a cultural phenomenon independent of authority and governments, and it plays an important role in criticizing society and presenting its issues. It also provides the opportunity to listen to various opinions.”

The festival’s activities were held at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, which included seminars, critical readings sessions, and a workshop on scriptwriting.

The festival honored the late Saudi Arabia playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim with an exhibition dedicated to his work.


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month
Updated 21 min 50 sec ago
Follow

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month
  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation
Updated 14 November 2024
Follow

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation
  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy
Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.