Launch of the Third Edition of Back Stage Group Festival Under the Slogan 'Creating Creative Opportunities'
The third edition of the Back Stage Group theatrical festival has launched under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, under the slogan 'Creating Creative Opportunities,' with wide participation and honoring a select group of artists.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
The third edition of the Back Stage Group theatrical festival kicked off at the Al-Salmiya Sports Club theater, under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and under the slogan “Creating Creative Opportunities in Theater,” amid a massive public turnout. The festival is organized by the Back Stage Group Foundation, led by artist Mohammed Al-Humaidi, and this edition is named after the late renowned artist Jassim Al-Nabhane. Veteran artist Abdulrahman Al-Aqil serves as chairman of the Supreme Committee and as the festival’s main personality.
The opening ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by an opening performance titled “We Were, We Are, and We Will Remain,” written and directed by Sultan Mohammed. The piece evoked the masterpieces of Kuwaiti theater, featuring actors Mohammed Al-Mansouri, Majed Al-Balushi, Bashar Al-Jazaf, Khaled Al-Daihani, Fatima Asad, and Nasser Al-Shaie, with musical performances by artist Ahmed Bin Hussein and singer Amani Al-Dub. The event’s segments were hosted by artist Hind Al-Balushi, who announced that ten plays representing various entities would compete for festival awards covering writing, directing, acting, costumes, set design, lighting, makeup, special effects, and the Best Integrated Production award.
In remarks by the organizers, festival director Mohammed Al-Humaidi emphasized that the festival is a realized dream aimed at supporting youth through the private sector. Executive director Abdullah Al-Khudher affirmed that all resources would be made available to participating productions, while general supervisor Yousef Al-Hashash noted that the winning production would receive a public screening with ticketed admissions.
Artist Jassim Al-Nabhane delivered a speech stressing that theater is a collective endeavor that fosters citizens who love their country and remain committed to their authenticity. The opening concluded with an honors segment honoring the festival’s main personality, Abdulrahman Al-Aqil; honoring actress Haya Al-Fahd, presented by Khaled Al-Rashid; honoring artist Khaled Al-Sultan, presented by his son Waleed; honoring artist Jaber Sabah, presented by his brother Taher Sabah; and honoring a distinguished group of artists, media figures, and committee heads. The festival’s competitions will continue over ten days.
