Abdulmohsen Al-Nimr at the Al-Ahsa Bisht Festival: The marina reveals the hidden
In a move that reflects the deep connection between art and national heritage, Saudi star Abdulmohsen Al-Nimr that the “Al-Ahsa bisht” goes beyond being just an official outfit or a garment of prestige, to become a living “historical document” that encapsulates the story of Al-Ahsa within its golden threads, and narrates the details of the social and economic life that shaped the identity of the region throughout the ages.
The Al-Ahsa bisht: a global heritage icon
Al-Nimr's remarks came during his distinguished visit to Al-Ahsa Bisht Festival , organized by the Heritage Commission at the historic Ibrahim Palace. This festival is part of the Kingdom's efforts to highlight handicrafts, which have earned Al-Ahsa a place on UNESCO's Creative Cities List. Al-Nimr described the festival as a global cultural event that not only showcases the products but also documents the designs, meanings, and stories of struggle experienced by ancestors in weaving this heritage.
Drama as a mirror of society: from “Threads of the Bosses” to “The Harbor”
In discussing the role of drama in documenting heritage, Al-Nimr explained that the series "Khuyut Al-Ma'azib" successfully shed light on an important era in the history of bisht making. However, he pointed out that the cultural heritage of this craft is still rich with stories and secrets that have yet to be explored dramatically. Regarding his portrayal of the character "Abu Issa," he attributed it to the precision of the script written by Hassan Al-Abdi, in addition to his own personal memories. Having lived in Al-Ahsa for over nine years, he was able to draw inspiration for the character's details and movements from real-life examples he had seen in the old neighborhood, further supported by extensive meetings with master craftsmen like "Abu Ali Hussein Al-Shawaf.".
Regarding his new works, Al-Nimr revealed to Al-Youm the features of his new series “Al-Marsa”, stressing that the work represents a qualitative leap in dramatic presentation, as it aims to “reveal the hidden” and touch upon unspoken social issues, considering that the arrival of drama to areas of social pain and dealing with them boldly is the true message of art.
A moment of loyalty... the 100th anniversary
The festival halls witnessed a touching moment when craftsman and expert Habib Bu Khader surprised actor Abdulmohsen Al-Nemer by gifting him the original bisht (traditional men's cloak) he wore in the series "Khuyout Al-Ma'azib" (Threads of the Masters). This rare, hand-woven piece of goat's wool, over 100 years old, was worn by Al-Nemer amidst applause from the audience, in a scene that embodies the respect of current generations for the heritage of the past.
Bou Khader pointed out that this bisht has become a tourist “icon,” as visitors come to the festival to ask about “Abu Issa’s bisht” and take pictures of it, which confirms the soft power of Saudi drama in promoting material heritage and linking the new generation to its cultural roots, which is in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in taking care of national heritage.
