Play 'As You Wish' Excels at 'Back Stage 3' Festival

The third edition of the “Back Stage Group” theatrical festival concluded its 2026 season at the Al-Salmiya Club theater, under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, coinciding with the celebration of the festival’s 15th anniversary, amidst a strong artistic and theatrical presence.

The closing ceremony, hosted by media personality Ali Najm, opened with a comedic scene featuring brothers Abdullah and Mohammed Al-Musallam, celebrating the end of the festival and the 15th anniversary of “Back Stage Group.” The scene included several young performers portraying artistic characters, while artist Osama Al-Muzayen participated in his own persona, adding an atmosphere of fun to the event.

Before the awards announcement, Festival President Mohammed Al-Humli delivered a speech welcoming attendees and thanking supporting entities. He noted that the team’s determination and belief in young talents were behind the festival’s continuity and the staging of its third edition. He also expressed gratitude to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters for sponsoring both the opening and closing ceremonies. Al-Humli revealed several upcoming projects, most notably the re-staging of three theatrical plays—“As You Wish,” “Secure and Produce,” and “An Important Visit”—supported and produced by “Back Stage Group.” He also announced the launch of Back Stage Theater Company, chaired by Jaber Al-Mohammadi, with members Shahin Al-Najjar, Meshal Al-Aidan, Mariam Ali Sultan, and Zainab Hussein, tasked with managing the troupe’s affairs and organizing its performances.

Additionally, he announced the launch of the “Back Stage Festival” project next year, which will include a street theater festival and a children’s theater festival, alongside the return of the Back Stage Film Festival for its second edition, in collaboration with directors Abdulaziz Al-Saig, Dawood Shaieal, and Nizar Al-Jundi. The plan includes screening 50 Kuwaiti, Gulf, and Arab films.

For his part, Yusuf Al-Jam’an, Director of the Theater and Cinema Department at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, emphasized the importance of such festivals in nurturing young talents, honing their skills, and providing them with opportunities to contribute to Kuwait’s theatrical movement.

In the remaining awards, Abdulaziz Al-Saadoun won the Best Supporting Actor award for the play “Secure and Produce,” Fawaz Al-Salim won the Best Emerging Actor award for “Fire Settled in Clay,” and Rasha Al-Nassrallah won the Best Supporting Actress award for “The Next One.” Fatima German won the Best Emerging Actress award for the play “The Radio,” Jassem Al-Humli won the Best Set Design award for “The Writer’s Madness,” and Mohammed Al-Zankawi won the Best Music and Sound Effects award for “Disthymia.” The Best Complete Production award went to the play “An Important Visit.”