The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host a prominent cultural event, as the Theater and Performing Arts Authority organizes the third edition of the “Riyadh Theater Festival”, during the period from December 15 to 22, 2023. The festival will be held at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Conference Center, forming a vital platform that brings together theater lovers and creators in the Kingdom, and opens a new window on the future of Saudi performing arts.
Historical background: Saudi theater from its beginnings to the new renaissance
Theater has never been absent from the Saudi cultural scene. The Kingdom witnessed early theatrical endeavors as early as the mid-20th century, led by pioneers who believed in the power of this art form and its ability to express societal issues. Despite the challenges it faced, theatrical activity continued through limited individual and institutional efforts. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the cultural sector, including theater, underwent a radical transformation. The Vision gave unprecedented attention to developing the arts as a driver of quality of life and economic development, leading to the establishment of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission in 2020 as the official body to oversee and develop this promising sector.
Riyadh Theatre Festival: A platform for creativity and a pillar of Vision 2030
The organization of the third Riyadh Theatre Festival is a practical embodiment of this ambitious national strategy. The festival is not merely a collection of theatrical performances, but rather an integrated system aimed at building a sustainable theatre industry. It works to achieve several strategic objectives, most notably discovering and supporting national talent in all theatre disciplines—acting, directing, writing, and design—stimulating high-quality local theatrical productions, and creating a positive competitive environment that contributes to raising the standard of presented works. The festival also represents an opportunity to strengthen the theatre infrastructure by providing professional performance platforms and encouraging investment in this vital sector.
Importance and expected impact: local and regional dimensions
The festival holds significant local importance, contributing to building a new audience base for theater and reconnecting the community with this ancient art form, often referred to as the "father of the arts." Through workshops and critical seminars accompanying the performances, the festival hones the skills of Saudi theater professionals and equips them with the latest global knowledge and techniques. Regionally, the festival aims to solidify Riyadh's position as a capital of culture and art in the region, draw attention to outstanding Saudi theatrical productions, and open avenues for collaboration with Gulf and Arab theater groups, thus enriching the artistic experience and fostering cultural exchange.
Honoring the Giants: Celebrating the Legacy of Ibrahim Al-Hamdan and Abdulrahman Al-Muraikhi
In recognition and appreciation of the pioneering generation, this edition of the festival celebrates the contributions of two prominent figures in the history of Saudi theater: the esteemed actor Ibrahim Al-Hamdan, who enriched the screen and stage with his diverse roles over decades, and the writer and director Abdulrahman Al-Murikhi, who presented important theatrical works that addressed social issues with refined artistry. This tribute is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a message to younger generations affirming the value of artistic heritage and the importance of building upon the foundations laid by the pioneers, connecting the flourishing present of Saudi theater to its rich past.
