Riyadh Theatre Festival: Day 3 Events and Dazzling Artistic Performances
The Riyadh Theatre Festival , organized by the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission, continues Saudi Vision 2030 , which places great emphasis on the culture and arts sector as a cornerstone of quality of life and soft power.
The importance of the festival in the Saudi cultural scene
The Riyadh Theatre Festival is not just a fleeting event; it is part of a national strategy aimed at transforming the theatre sector from individual efforts into a fully integrated, professional industry. Through these events, the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission works to discover local talent, provide a nurturing environment for creativity, and enhance the infrastructure of the performing arts. The festival contributes to creating an artistic dialogue between creators and the public, thus elevating artistic taste and strengthening the presence of Saudi theatre both locally and regionally.
Workshops specializing in scenography and theatrical space
The third day's events began with an intensive workshop titled "Theatrical Space and Scenography," presented by Professor Mohammed Jamil. The workshop went beyond theory, focusing on the conceptual dimension of scenography as a fundamental element in constructing a directorial vision. The presenter discussed how to transform the stage into an expressive medium that speaks volumes, complementing the dramatic text through the skillful use of light, mass, movement, and visual elements. This provided participants with new tools to deepen the aesthetic experience in their future works.
"The Third Painting": The Struggle of Identity and Art
On the performance side, the Taif Theatre Troupe the show with their production of "The Third Painting," written by veteran playwright Fahd Al-Harthi and directed by Ahmed Al-Ahmari. The Taif Troupe is a leading group with a long history of enriching Saudi theatre. The play, which blends comedy, drama, and absurdity, explores the internal struggle of a theatre company searching for its identity amidst a fragmentation of artistic styles, raising existential questions about the interplay between creativity and material resources, and the reality of the artist in light of modern changes.
The screening was followed by a critical reading by film critic Ayed Al-Baqmi, who deconstructed the dramatic structure of the work and its directorial choices, highlighting the symbolism used and the visual narrative techniques employed. These critical sessions are a cornerstone of the festival, contributing to the development of theatrical skills and bridging the gap between the creators of the work and the audience.
Entertainment and music variety
The events weren't limited to serious theatrical performances; they also included diverse entertainment. Artist Mohamed Fadl Shaker gave a concert to a remarkable audience, performing a selection of songs that were warmly received, including some from his father, the artist Fadl Shaker. This blend of theater and music reflects the festival's vision of offering a comprehensive cultural experience.
The accompanying events also included performances of physical comedy, magic tricks, and stand-up comedy shows, which added an atmosphere of joy and vitality, and made the festival a favorite destination for various segments of society until its scheduled conclusion on December 22.
