A Life Story: Dasma Theater Illuminated with New Look

On the stage of the new-look Dasma Theatre, the documentary film “A Life Story” was presented. This was not merely a retrospective of artistic milestones, but a tribute to the late artist Haifa Al-Hathloul’s career and a remembrance of the journey of a woman who carved her place through talent, determination, and hard work, becoming one of the most prominent figures in the history of Kuwaiti and Gulf art.

The ceremony began with moving words from the host, media personality Iman Al-Najm, followed by a speech by Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters. He emphasized that honoring Haifa Al-Hathloul is a debt owed to an artistic stature that left an indelible mark on the public’s consciousness and contributed over decades to enriching the Kuwaiti and Gulf artistic scene, while consolidating Kuwait’s position as a beacon of cultural and artistic creativity.

Al-Jassar noted that the late artist was not merely a performer who appeared on screens and stages, but a model of artistic commitment and a sincere voice that expressed society’s concerns and issues. Her works carried a purposeful artistic message that reached millions of hearts, leaving a creative legacy that will remain present in the memory of generations.

He clarified that the 50-minute documentary does not limit itself to showcasing the artistic and humanitarian milestones in the late artist’s life; rather, it provides visual testimony to the emergence and development of Kuwaiti and Gulf art, and the artistic and cultural transformations witnessed over the decades. It highlights their beginnings, the challenges they faced, and the successes achieved, alongside testimonies from those who accompanied her journey and archival materials documenting her most prominent works and artistic contributions.

For his part, Assistant Secretary-General for Financial, Administrative, Artistic Affairs, and Support Services, Muaid Al-Zamil, delivered a speech praising the strategic partnership between the public and private sectors and its role in completing the Dasma Theatre development and rehabilitation project. He commended the efforts of Al-Salam First Company, chaired by artist and Professor Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, in a short period to restore the theatre to its rightful status.

Al-Zamil stressed the importance of this collaboration in preserving cultural infrastructure and enhancing the role of theatres in nurturing creativity and artists. He noted that comprehensive development and maintenance works contributed to rehabilitating Dasma Theatre and presenting it in a modern architectural and artistic style befitting its historical status and role in the trajectory of Kuwaiti theatre.

The screening of “A Life Story” coincided with the theatre’s reopening following the completion of its development and maintenance works, combining the tribute to a great artist with the preservation of one of Kuwait’s important cultural landmarks.

The film featured several artists and personalities who lived alongside Haifa Al-Hathloul and knew her value, including Saad Al-Faraj, Suad Abdullah, Mohammed Al-Mansour, Mohammed Jaber, Abdulrahman Al-Aqil, Jasem Al-Nabhan, Abdullah Al-Habib, Dr. Khaled Ramadan, Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Bilal, and Muaid Al-Zamil. Their testimonies evoked aspects of her career and her status in the memory of art and society.

The film was produced by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, conceived and under the general supervision of Muaid Al-Zamil. Dr. Ali Hassan was responsible for the vision, screenplay, and direction, with executive director Abdullah Hassan, assistant director Mahmoud Ali Al-Rais, and director assistant Fatima Al-Mutawaa. Badr Al-Jazzaf handled writing, preparation, and scripting, while Yaqoob Al-Khazzab managed production. Yousef Al-Mutairi contributed archival material, and the film’s original score was composed by Dr.

Hassan Ali. The life of Haya Al-Fahd has passed, but her story endures—in the works she shared with the public, in the characters she left an imprint upon, and in every testimony that recalls her journey of struggle and dedication. “A Life Story” comes to affirm that honoring creative minds is not merely through remembrance, but by preserving their experiences and documenting their legacy, so that their stories remain present in the consciousness of generations. May God have mercy on you, Umm Susan.