The 14th Gulf Theater Festival kicked off at Princess Nourah University Theater in Riyadh. Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, the festival is under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud. The event features over 400 Arab artists, showcasing theatrical works from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, highlighting their finest creative talents.
A Decade-Long Wait Ends
Riyadh hosts the festival for the first time in over a decade, from September 10 to 17. This event underscores the cultural transformation in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The festival aims to support cultural and artistic movements, enhancing the region’s status as a cultural, regional, and international hub.
Support from Saudi Leadership
Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, delivered a speech on behalf of Minister Prince Badr. Al-Bazie emphasized the strong support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for cultural sectors. He noted that Gulf theater plays a crucial role in strengthening national identity and boosting the cultural sector’s economic growth.
Honoring Theatrical Excellence
Khaled Al-Baz, Director of the 14th Gulf Theater Festival, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He highlighted that this year’s festival features six theatrical performances reflecting the realities of the Gulf. The current edition also honors pioneers of theater arts and celebrates exemplary figures in the field.
Jury and Competing Plays
The jury panel includes Ibrahim Salem (UAE), Youssef Al-Balushi (Oman), Jassim Al-Ansari (Oman), Marwa Al-Atrash (Syria), and Ayman El-Shemy (Egypt). Among the competing plays are “A Sea” (Saudi Arabia), “I See You” (UAE), “On the Other Side” (Bahrain), “A Story of Passage” (Kuwait), and “The Soul” (Qatar).
