RIYADH: Ten plays by Saudi theater groups will compete for 11 awards at the Riyadh Theater Festival, the Kingdom’s Theater and Performing Arts Commission has announced.
The festival will take place between Dec. 13-24 and its first session will take place at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University where shortlisted plays will be performed, the CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission Sultan Al-Bazie said.
The plays were shortlisted according to factors including their appeal to audiences, quality, serious and creative presentation, and language used.
The awards that are up for grabs include: best actor, best actress, best theatrical script, best theatrical directing, best integrated theatrical performance, best theatrical lighting, best scenography, best theatrical make-up, best theatrical costumes, best theatrical music, and best theatrical decoration.
The festival will also celebrate the life of the late Saudi writer and playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim by putting on a play based on his vision as a director, displaying an art exhibition related to his artistic career, holding seminars and critical readings, hosting a workshop on theater arts and developing and refining the skills of playwrights, and presenting an international play.
The festival aims to refine and develop Saudi talent by helping participants to carve out successful careers and create content that inspires the audience and elevates the Saudi theatrical sector, which is considered one of the most promising sectors in the Kingdom.
The selected plays are as follows:
- “Sea” by the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association Troupe
- “The Forbidden” by the First Leap Club Troupe
- “Beginnings of Abandonment” by the Close Media Ensemble
- “Slap” by the Kalos Ensemble
- “The Devil’s Memory” by Ruya Ensemble
- “Light” by Taif Theater
- “Newspaper Seller” by the Fun Box Ensemble
- “Yellow Memory” by the Nawras Ensemble
- “Closed Roundabout” by the Masma Theater Club
- “The Last Shadow” by the National Theater Ensemble
