Riyadh Theatre Festival: Continuous creativity and exceptional performances on its second day
the Riyadh Theatre Festival continued its third edition for the second consecutive day. Organized by the Theatre and Performing Arts Authority, the festival is being held at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Conference Center. This festival is one of the most prominent cultural platforms aiming to highlight Saudi theatrical talent and reinforce the role of theatre as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's cultural landscape. The festival runs until December 22nd.
A cultural vision and a growing theatrical movement
The Riyadh Theatre Festival is not merely a fleeting event; it is an integral part of the National Cultural Strategy stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which places great emphasis on the theatre and performing arts sector. The festival aims to create a sustainable creative environment, develop the infrastructure of Saudi theatre, and open new horizons for theatre practitioners to exchange experiences and showcase their intellectual and artistic productions to a wide audience and specialized critics, thereby strengthening the presence of Saudi theatre both locally and regionally.
Specialized workshops: The art of scenography
The second day featured intensive training activities, including a specialized workshop on "Theatrical Space and Scenography" presented by Professor Mohammed Jamil. The workshop focused on the importance of visual elements in theatrical work and how to transform theatrical space from a mere spatial framework into an active and influential element in the dramatic narrative. Jamil presented practical examples illustrating the dialectical relationship between scenographic composition and dramatic structure, enriching the participants' understanding of the role of imagery in enhancing the artistic message.
Theatrical performances that touch the heart
On the performance front, the “Nuta” troupe presented the play “Utopia ,” written and directed by Dr. Numan Kaduh. The play unfolds within a psychiatric hospital, posing profound existential questions about the contradictions of the human psyche. The work successfully presented a striking dramatic irony through the intersection of the characters' suffering with the global celebration of Earth Day, thus adding a philosophical dimension to the text. The performance was followed by a critical reading by critic Ayed Al-Baqmi, who praised the dramatic structure and the symbolic use of theatrical elements.
In a related context, the play "Disruption ," which tells the story of Khaled and his struggle with cancer, was presented, offering a humanistic treatment of the concepts of fate, death, and waiting. Critic Nasser Al-Omari presented a critical reading of the work, highlighting the text's skill in transforming personal pain into existential questions relevant to all humanity, and how the characters were employed to serve the play's central theme.
Public interaction and festive atmosphere
The events weren't limited to performances and workshops; they also included short theatrical presentations in the festival's corridors, creating a vibrant interaction between the audience and the stage. This large public turnout reflects a strong cultural thirst for fine arts and underscores the success of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority in creating an event befitting Riyadh's status as a vibrant cultural capital.
