Al-Muslem: Dasma Theater Officially Opens End of This Month

Artist Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam announced that the official opening of the Dasma Theatre will take place at the end of this month, following a comprehensive and fundamental renovation initiative that revived the venue after liberation. This partnership aims to prepare the theatre for the future, bridging two distinct chapters of its history, and he expressed his delight in leading the development of Kuwait’s most important cultural landmark.

He emphasized that this step reflects the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters’ (NCCAL) direction toward building a genuine partnership with the private sector. This approach goes beyond merely contracting building development works to contractors; it opens the door for specialists who combine execution capabilities with expertise in the arts and theatre requirements. The bid was awarded to Al-Salam Al-Awwal Company, based on an evaluation that considered the offered price, specifications, services, and experience, rather than price alone.

Al-Musallam highlighted the role of NCCAL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Khaled Al-Jassar and Assistant Secretary-General Muassad Al-Zamil in advancing a partnership that leverages the private sector’s expertise to serve a public cultural facility. He clarified that Al-Zamil contributed, through his work in the arts sector, to including the Dasma Theatre development and investment project and paving the way for its launch. The Council’s follow-up and support for the project reflect an understanding that its success will be measured by what the theatre offers to artists and the public, not merely by the building’s renovation.

He pointed to his long experience, which combines artistic knowledge with practical expertise in preparing and operating theatres, noting his connection to the Dasma Theatre dating back to the early days after Kuwait’s liberation. With the approval of the then-Minister of Media, the late Dr. Badr Al-Yaqoob, he initiated the theatre’s restoration at his own expense, supported by volunteers from Kuwaiti citizens who endured the Iraqi occupation.

Al-Musallam continued, “The rehabilitation at that time was not merely repairing a damaged building, but a space through which Kuwaitis expressed pain, resilience, and the restoration of life. The theatre returned to host the first post-liberation play, ‘Kuwait is Free,’ in 1991, followed by ‘Desert Storm,’ which depicted the suffering of Kuwaitis during the occupation, and ‘Sword of the Arabs’ in 1992. The Dasma Theatre is also linked to famous Kuwaiti productions such as ‘Bye Bye London,’ ‘Knights of the Climate,’ ‘Hello Bangkok,’ and ‘Protectors of the Homeland.’ Therefore, its development today does not mean merely renovating a performance hall, but preserving a landmark that holds a significant part of Kuwaiti art history.”

The current development works cover the building’s interior and exterior, including artists’ rooms, audience seating, the stage, and technical equipment, with additional costs borne by the company that exceed the bid requirements. This effort aims to elevate the Dasma Theatre to a world-class artistic landmark that combines its historical value with a high standard of quality and safety, making it ready to host theatrical performances and private troupe productions, as well as cultural, literary, official, and diplomatic events organized by ministries, agencies, and public benefit associations, alongside exhibitions, conferences, courses, and workshops.