The Al-Samar and Al-Muhawara event was launched in Riyadh with the participation of 60 performers
In a pioneering step towards reviving the intangible cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Theater and Performing Arts Commission announced the organization of the Samer and Muhawara event in the courtyard of the historic Qasr al-Hukm Palace in Riyadh. This prominent cultural event will take place from March 22 to May 2, featuring a select group of up to 60 professional performers. This initiative celebrates authentic national heritage and strives to enhance the presence of traditional performing arts in the contemporary Saudi cultural landscape, ensuring the continuity of this rich legacy and its transmission to future generations in a festive atmosphere that reflects the depth of Saudi identity.
The historical roots upon which the effectiveness of storytelling and dialogue is based
Folk arts are an integral part of the Arabian Peninsula's collective memory, with the performances of Al-Samar and Al-Muhawara offering a vivid glimpse into the rich history of our ancestors. Al-Samar is a collective performing art form that relies on poetic rhythms and closely packed rows of people. It was traditionally practiced at social events and celebrations to express joy and community bonds. Al-Muhawara, on the other hand, depends on poetic improvisation and quick wit between two or more poets, representing an intellectual and literary arena that showcases the power of words and the eloquence of meaning. The choice of the Qasr Al-Hukm (Justice Palace) to host these performances was not arbitrary; it is a prominent historical landmark that has witnessed numerous political and social transformations in the history of the Saudi state, thus adding a profound symbolic dimension that connects the authenticity of the place with the rich heritage of the arts presented.
Cultural and economic impact at local and international levels
Reviving such arts has dimensions that extend beyond mere entertainment, reaching tangible strategic impacts. Locally, the event contributes to strengthening national identity among young people and provides a professional platform to support local talent and practitioners of these arts, opening new horizons for the sustainability of these artistic professions. Regionally and internationally, these efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to showcase Saudi culture as a soft power and attract tourists from around the world. Presenting traditional performing arts to professional standards enhances the chances of registering more elements of Saudi heritage on UNESCO’s lists of intangible cultural heritage, thus solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global cultural destination rich in diversity and authenticity.
Strategic goals to enhance the cultural landscape
Through this initiative, the Authority aims to create a vibrant and interactive environment that contributes to reviving national heritage in public cultural spaces. It seeks to offer a rich cultural experience that introduces local audiences and visitors to the authenticity and diversity of Saudi arts, thus enriching the visual and audio cultural content in the capital. The Authority also focuses on empowering national talent specializing in folk arts by facilitating the exchange of expertise among performers and highlighting their skills, thereby supporting the economic and social value of the cultural sector.
A live, audience-focused experience that blends the past and the present
The event offers visitors a vibrant experience that blends authenticity with cultural entertainment. The Authority invites all those interested and the general public to enjoy these arts, which combine poetry, movement, and traditional rhythms, on a cultural journey spanning more than a month. This journey aims to build effective bridges between the glorious past and the prosperous present by showcasing the beauty of Saudi Arabia's rich artistic heritage and presenting it in a contemporary style befitting the Kingdom's stature and history.
