The literary partner's evening in Jazan discusses the transformations of the Saudi novel
The Jazan region witnessed a remarkable cultural event Wednesday evening, with a specialized literary discussion exploring the state of the Saudi novel and its contemporary transformations, under the title "When I Left the Sea." This event was organized by the "Literary Partner" initiative of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, in strategic partnership with the "Dhaw" Association for Theater and Performing Arts, and featured Saudi novelist and writer Amr Al-Amri at the association's headquarters in Jazan city.
Dimensions of the narrative experience and its relationship to place
The evening, rich with critical discussion, explored the experience of novelist Amr Al-Amri, highlighting the narrative and human turning points that shaped his works. The discussion delved into the writer's complex relationship with place and memory, and how he transforms local geography into a vast fictional space. Al-Amri devoted a significant portion of his talk to deconstructing the concept of "the sea," not merely as a body of water, but as a symbol and a profound meaning within the novel, carrying implications that intersect with the writer's personal experience and the techniques of creative writing.
Literary Partner Initiative: A Renewed Cultural Context
This evening's significance stems from its being part of the "Literary Partner" initiative, a strategic program launched by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to promote literature in people's daily lives by partnering with cafes and public spaces to present high-quality literary events. This movement aligns with the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on quality of life and culture, and seeks to empower Saudi intellectuals to reach a wider audience beyond the traditional frameworks of cultural institutions.
The development of the Saudi novel and its influence
In the context of discussing the Saudi novel , the evening featured extensive discussions on the artistic maturity achieved by local narrative. The novel in the Kingdom has moved from a stage of establishment and social documentation to one of artistic experimentation, boldly and professionally addressing human and existential issues, thus qualifying it to compete for Arab and international awards. The distinguished audience of intellectuals and those interested in the subject actively engaged with these themes, raising questions about the future of narrative and the role of the writer in reflecting the rapid social transformations taking place in the Kingdom.
Revitalizing cultural activity in Jazan
This event underscores the pivotal role of cultural associations in the regions, as the programs of the “Dhaw” Association and its partnerships with “Literary Partner” aim to create open dialogue spaces that bring writers together with their audiences. This direct interaction contributes to enriching the cultural landscape of the Jazan region, which has long been known as a cradle of creative minds, poets, and writers, thus solidifying the presence of literature as one of the most important pillars of soft power and national creativity.
