Riyadh Theatre Festival 2024: Launch of the third edition and honoring pioneers
The cultural and artistic circles in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region are turning their attention to Riyadh, the capital, which continues to solidify its position as a beacon of cultural influence, with the announcement by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission of details for the third edition of the Riyadh Theater Festival . The Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Conference Center is scheduled to host this exceptional event from December 15th to 22nd, bringing together a distinguished group of theater professionals, critics, and passionate theatergoers.
Transformations in the cultural landscape and the establishment of a new phase
The organization of this festival comes within the context of a comprehensive renaissance in the Saudi cultural sector, driven by unprecedented support since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture. After decades of individual efforts and scattered initiatives, Saudi theater has transitioned to a phase of organized, institutional work. The General Commission for Theater and Performing Arts plays a pivotal role in this transformation, working to develop sustainable strategies aimed at improving infrastructure and enacting supportive legislation, thus moving theater from an amateur pursuit to a professional endeavor and establishing it as a genuine industry that contributes to the gross domestic product.
A gesture of loyalty: Honoring Ibrahim Al-Hamdan and Abdulrahman Al-Muraikhi
In a gesture reflecting deep appreciation for the founding generation, the festival's management dedicated its third edition to honoring two late pillars of Saudi theater: Ibrahim Al-Hamdan and Abdulrahman Al-Murikhi . This tribute is a commemoration of a rich history of contributions; Al-Murikhi is considered a pioneer of social theater in the Eastern Province and made significant contributions to grounding local identity in theatrical texts, while Al-Hamdan represents a symbol of production and acting who paved the way for subsequent generations under challenging production conditions. Celebrating them thus becomes a message of continuity between generations of theater professionals.
Theater as a pillar in the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The Riyadh Theatre Festival is inextricably linked to the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , specifically the Quality of Life Program. Theatre today transcends its role as a mere form of entertainment, becoming an effective tool for soft power and a means of expressing national identity and the values of tolerance and openness. The festival also contributes to boosting cultural tourism, attracting visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad, thus strengthening the creative economy and creating new job opportunities for young talent in acting, directing, scenography, and cultural management.
A creative environment with global standards
The Authority was keen to select the Princess Nourah University Conference Center as the venue for the events to ensure that the performances would be presented according to the highest technical and artistic standards. In addition to the competing theatrical performances, the festival's activities include a series of workshops and critical seminars aimed at refining the skills of practitioners and raising artistic awareness among the public. This gathering represents a golden opportunity for the exchange of experiences between Saudi theater professionals and their counterparts, promising a vibrant winter cultural season that reflects the Kingdom's bright and civilized image.
