Assistant Al-Zamil: 3 months breathed life into 'Ad-Dasmah', and the next is 'Howyan' theater.. 'Al-Shamiya' for amateur troupes

Mufarreh Al-Shammari: Assistant Secretary-General for Financial, Administrative, and Supporting Technical Affairs at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Muassad Al-Zamil, stated that the development of the Dasma Theater is part of a broader initiative to reactivate Kuwaiti theaters and rehabilitate them in partnership with specialized private sector entities, ensuring a safe and well-equipped environment for artists and audiences.

Al-Zamil explained that the Dasma Theater project was awarded through a bidding process in which six companies participated, three of which met the required criteria. The contract was ultimately awarded to Al-Salam Al-Awwal for General Trading and Contracting, as it submitted the highest bid while fully meeting the project requirements. He emphasized that the objective was not merely to assign the building to a contractor, but to select an entity possessing the necessary executive capacity, technical expertise, and theatrical experience.

These remarks were made during a press conference held at the Dasma Theater to announce its imminent opening following a comprehensive development and rehabilitation project. Attendees included Dr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Mutawa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Salam Al-Awwal for General Trading and Contracting and its media arm, Al-Salam Media Group, as well as artist Dr. Tariq Al-Ali, alongside members of the media.

Al-Zamil noted that fire safety and regulatory compliance requirements had led to the closure of several theaters, reaffirming that the safety of audiences, artists, and staff is a top priority. This concern prompted the decision to involve specialized private sector partners in reactivating and developing theaters in accordance with laws and regulations, under the supervision of the National Council.

He revealed that bidding is currently underway for the Khowan Theater. Meanwhile, the Shamaya Theater is reserved exclusively for amateur theatrical troupes, with performances held free of charge; all revenues and ticket sales from these productions belong to the troupes themselves.

For his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa emphasized that the development of the Dasma Theater represents more than just a building renovation; it signifies the restoration of a cherished part of Kuwait’s memory. He stated that Dasma “does not belong to any specific entity, generation, or artist, but is an integral part of Kuwait’s cultural heritage.” Al-Mutawa recalled notable productions staged at Dasma, including “Bye Bye London,” “Hello Bangkok,” and “Hami Al-Diyar,” as well as patriotic works associated with Kuwait’s memory following its liberation.

Highlighting his personal connection to the theater, Al-Mutawa noted that after the liberation, he personally funded and organized the restoration of Dasma and its facilities, with the help of Kuwaiti volunteers who remained steadfast during the Iraqi invasion, repairing damage and theft inflicted during the occupation.

He clarified that the current development works were completed within three months and covered the roof, security, fire safety, and electrical systems, the stage, backstage areas, lifts, lighting and sound systems, the audience hall, seats, walls, ceilings, rooms, corridors, reception areas, and support services. Special attention was given to acoustics, with the selection of materials and fabrics designed to enhance the hall’s sound properties. Al-Salam Al-Awwal also undertook additional works at its own expense to rehabilitate other parts of the theater.

Describing the extensive renovations at Dasma, artist Dr. Tariq Al-Ali quoted his Egyptian colleagues, saying, “We are today experiencing a renaissance,” referring to the scale of the development. Al-Ali recalled Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa’s role in restoring Dasma after liberation, affirming that the venue holds beautiful memories for Kuwaitis and that its return marks the revival of one of the most vital platforms for Kuwaiti theater.

The Dasma Theater is set to officially reopen on the 29th of the current month with the play “Al-Taqqaqa Noura – Jinn’s Wedding,” starring Huda Hussein, Mohammed Al-Ajmi, Mais Kamar, and Shaikh Al-Shaikh. The production will leverage the theater’s new capabilities, including advanced sound, lighting, and effects systems, stage equipment, and global technologies that reflect the extensive development the venue has undergone.