"Backstage" in Its Third Edition... A Theater Connecting Youth Creativity and Adult Loyalty

When passion is born from determination, impossibilities fade away. Some dreams do not wait for the umbrella of support or sponsorship from institutions; rather, they forge their own path through self-effort and sincere belief. This is precisely what the inspiring story of artist and director Mohammed Al-Humaidi and his friend, artist Abdullah Al-Khudair, embodies. The two transformed a dreamlike idea into a vibrant theatrical reality by establishing the “Backstage Theatre Festival.” Their independent efforts bore fruit in the creation of a festival that has become a genuine platform supporting young talents, honoring prominent figures who have enriched the theatrical scene, and proudly remembering those who have passed away, leaving an indelible mark.

What began years ago as an ambitious idea has continued its journey steadily, from its first edition, through the second, to the opening of its third edition the day before yesterday, under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters. The opening drew a significant public turnout that filled the aisles of the Salamiya Sports Club Theatre, which hosts the festival’s events and performances over ten days, under the slogan “Creating Creative Opportunities in Theatre.”

The third edition was named after the renowned artist Jassim Al-Nabhan in appreciation of his artistic career and his contributions to the theatrical movement. Meanwhile, the veteran artist Abdulrahman Al-Aqil was chosen as the festival’s personality and also appointed as chairman of its Supreme Committee.

The opening ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theatrical performance titled “We Were, and We Still Are, and We Will Remain,” written and directed by Sultan Mohammed. This artistic gesture evoked key moments from the memory of Kuwaiti theatre and the names that left their imprint on the audience’s hearts.

The performance featured actor Mohammed Al-Mansouri, who portrayed the artist Walid Al-Daira in the play “Lulaaki,” and actor Majid Al-Balushi, who played the artist Tariq Al-Ali in “Ah Ya Darb Al-Zalaq.” Bashir Al-Jazzaf portrayed the artist Dawood Hussein in “Elect Aunt Ali,” while Khaled Al-Daihani depicted the artist Saleh Al-Baawi in “The Ball Is Round.”

Artists Fatima Asad and Nasser Al-Shaikh also portrayed two characters who dream of becoming artists one day, alongside performances by Ahmed bin Hussein and Amal Al-Dubai.

Following the conclusion of the performance, star Hind Al-Balushi took the stage to present the evening’s segments. She hosted the event with a notable presence and outstanding performance, earning praise from the audience. She revealed that the third edition features a competition among ten theatrical productions presented by various entities.

Al-Balushi announced that Back Stage Group has allocated a set of awards for the competing productions, including Best Playwriting and Direction, Best Lead Actor and Actress, Best Rising Male and Female Actors, as well as awards for Best Set Design, Lighting, Costumes, Makeup, and Sound Effects. Additionally, there is an award for Best Complete Production and three special festival awards.

The ceremony featured remarks by Festival Director Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Executive Director Abdullah Al-Khader, and General Supervisor Yousef Al-Hushash. Al-Humaidi spoke about the shared dream he had with Al-Khader to establish a theatrical festival that supports young talent through an initiative led by the private sector. He emphasized that Back Stage seeks to support Kuwait’s artistic identity, open doors for youth, and provide them with real opportunities to prove their capabilities on stage.

For his part, artist Abdullah Al-Khader stressed in his speech the festival management’s commitment to providing all logistical and artistic facilities to the participating productions. He affirmed that the festival aims to be a comprehensive platform that embraces youth passion and offers them a space for expression and theatrical excellence.

In his turn, Yousef Al-Hushash expressed gratitude to everyone contributing to the continuation of this project. He highlighted the importance of giving the winning production an opportunity to connect with the audience by staging it and opening ticket sales, a step that grants artistic success genuine public reach.

Veteran artist Jassim Al-Nabhan, the face of the third edition, delivered a speech filled with meanings reflecting his philosophy toward theater. He affirmed that theatrical work is fundamentally collective, requiring its members to love one another, respect their roles, and adhere to directions. He noted that theater teaches leadership, discipline, and obedience to the director’s instructions, while also contributing to building citizens who love their land, are loyal to their country and leadership, and hold fast to their heritage and identity. Al-Nabhan praised the theatrical experiences presented by Mohammed Al-Humaidi, specifically mentioning the play “Majboob,” as a testament of appreciation from a major artistic figure to a young experience that has managed to assert its presence.

Loyalty was strongly present at the opening ceremony, where veteran artist Jassim Al-Nabhan, director Najaf Jamal, and artists Mohammed Al-Humaidi and Abdullah Al-Khader participated in honoring several artistic and media figures. The ceremony began by honoring veteran artist Abdulrahman Al-Aqil, the festival’s personality, before turning attention to three artistic figures who have passed away but remain present in the memory of their audience and colleagues.

The late veteran actress Haya Al-Fahd was honored, with her award accepted by media personality and lawyer Khaled Al-Rashid, President of the Kuwaiti Federation for Artistic, Theatrical Production, and Entertainment Creation. The late artist and composer Khaled Al-Sultan was also honored, with his award accepted by his son, composer Waleed Al-Sultan.

The honors also included the late comedian Jaber Al-Sabah, with his brother, artist Taher Al-Sabah, accepting the award on his behalf. Taher expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Back Stage Group for this initiative, which embodies loyalty to names that have contributed to enriching the artistic movement. The festival did not overlook honoring Mariam Abdulrahim, head of the Adult Theater Performances Follow-up Committee at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, in recognition of her efforts in monitoring and supporting the theater scene. The list of honorees extended to a group of individuals whose experiences and artistic and media contributions varied. Distinguished artist Haifa Adel and veteran media personality Amal Abdullah were honored. Amal Abdullah took the opportunity to address the audience, emphasizing the importance of loyalty as a human value that should not be absent from our lives, and urging young people to uphold it. She noted that the gathering of this constellation of artists was a celebration of this noble value. The honors also included artist Hamad Al-Omani, director Fahad Al-Fallah, and artist Shamlan Al-Majed. Artist Shahin Al-Shahin accepted the award on Shamlan’s behalf, alongside artists Mohammed Al-Abdulrazzaq, Duja Al-Khamis, Ghadeer Hassan, Abdulrahman Al-Fahad, and Ryan Dashti. The list of honors concluded with tributes to the members of the artistic committee and the jury, in appreciation of their efforts and role in monitoring performances and evaluating entries.