The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host a unique artistic event combining comedy and sophisticated drama. The comedy play "Viva La Vita" will premiere on January 9th at the Mohammed Al Ali Theater and will run until January 15th, 2026, adding another successful theatrical experience to the series of productions featured in Riyadh Season , which has become a global destination for arts and entertainment.
Official announcement and work details
The announcement of this major production came via the official account of Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh , Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), who shared the play's promotional trailer with the public, adding the intriguing caption: “Between comedy and drama, enjoy the play ‘Viva La Vita’ starring the artist Bassam Kousa and a host of other stars.” This announcement reflects the Authority's commitment to attracting leading Arab drama stars to present exclusive works worthy of the season's audience.
An inspiring story that reshapes reality
The play unfolds as a dramatic comedy with innovative musical elements. The plot begins when Hamlet makes a heartfelt wish, turning his world upside down. In this pivotal moment, sorrow transforms into love, darkness gives way to vibrant colors, and hope replaces despair, reshaping the characters in a new way.
It's a captivating theatrical journey that reinterprets stories and grants its characters a chance at a life they never dreamed of; a show that celebrates wishes and the power of imagination, believing that a single moment can change everything. The work relies on a cohesive dramatic structure that blends professional acting, masterful singing, and dazzling visual spectacle, delivering a complete theatrical experience that reflects Riyadh Season's commitment to presenting high-quality works based on profound ideas and modern artistic content, expressed in a universal language and imbued with a human spirit.
The return of Arab theater and the impact of Riyadh Season
The production of “Viva La Vita” comes amidst an unprecedented cultural and artistic movement in Saudi Arabia, where Riyadh Season has successfully revived popular Arab theater by providing massive production resources and state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities such as the Mohammed Al Ali Theater. This significant support has helped attract top Arab stars back to the stage, further solidifying Riyadh’s position as the region’s capital of art and entertainment.
This play gains particular significance due to the return of the esteemed actor Bassam Kousa to the Saudi stage, a move that adds considerable value to the production given his long and distinguished career and immense popularity throughout the Arab world. Attracting such prominent figures not only entertains but also contributes to fostering cultural exchange and developing the theatrical industry in the region as a whole.
Cast and crew
The play boasts a distinguished cast of stage and music stars from across the Arab world, ensuring diverse performances and a rich artistic experience. Alongside the renowned Bassam Kousa, the cast includes Aseel Omran, Alaa Al Zoghbi, Ayman Abdel Salam, Al Farazdaq Diab, Khaled Shabat, Shadi Safadi, Karam Shanan, Nadine Tahseen Beck, Nancy Khoury, and Wissam Reda. This artistic ensemble brings together diverse artistic styles and experiences, all fused under a single directorial vision to deliver a captivating and sophisticated artistic experience to Saudi and Arab audiences.
