Bashar Al-Shatti to Al-Rai: A New Certificate of Success... From the Gulf Audience to Al-Khiran Park

“Al-Khiran Park” does not merely present a musical revue; it evokes a landmark tourist destination.

What has been achieved in Dubai reflects the work’s ability to reach audiences across all segments.

Artist Bashar Al-Shatti expressed his delight at the success achieved by the play “Al-Khiran Park” during its recent performances on the stage of Dubai Opera in the United Arab Emirates, as part of the “Dubai Summer Surprises 2026” events. He emphasized that the massive public turnout and striking interaction with various details of the show constituted an extension of the success the play has enjoyed since its launch in Kuwait.

In a statement to “Al-Rai,” Al-Shatti said, “What has been achieved in Dubai reflects the work’s ability to reach the Gulf audience across all its segments, which has granted ‘Al-Khiran Park’ a new certificate of success. We are very happy with the reactions we witnessed there, as they were an extension of the success we began in Kuwait, which gave us the confidence that ‘Al-Khiran Park’ possesses the qualities for continuity and reaching a wider audience.”

He added, “The play achieved significant popular success within Kuwait, with 75 performances delivered amidst notable attendance. This encouraged the production team to embark on a Gulf tour that will not stop at Dubai. The next stop will be the Omani capital, Muscat, on August 8, followed by performances in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, alongside a return of our shows to our beloved Kuwait starting August 13 on the stage of the Al-Arabi Sports Club theater.”

Elaborating, he stated, “‘Al-Khiran Park’ does not merely present a musical revue; it evokes one of Kuwait’s most prominent tourist landmarks and brings back to the audience memories of a place linked to the hearts of generations since its opening in 1987. It also introduces new generations to this important chapter in the country’s history through a story written by Ahmed Al-Awadi, which carries human and national dimensions. The story revolves around the park’s opening and the joy it provided, before it was subjected to a sabotage attempt by a group of intruders. The events affirm that confronting violence is not done through violence, but through tolerance, coexistence, and peace, and that life is not based on absolute good or absolute evil.”

He pointed out that “the musical aspect was one of the most prominent elements of the work’s success, as the song ‘Waduni Al-Bahr’ (Leave the Sea to Me) achieved widespread popularity and became a trend during the current summer season. This contributed to reaching a broader segment of the audience, along with the joyful atmosphere created by all the actors on stage.”

He continued, “I am proud to have composed the music for the play and supervised its musical direction, in addition to starring in it. I portray the character of a young man who sings in a musical band. When the band enters the park to hold a musical concert, everyone faces an unexpected problem, initiating a journey of cooperation and solidarity to overcome it. This message aligns with the core idea upon which the work is based.”

Al-Shatti emphasized that what distinguishes the play is “the integration of all its artistic elements, starting with Ahmed Al-Awadi’s script and director Shamlan Al-Nassar’s vision, extending to the participation of a group of stars, including Haya Abdul Salam, Fouad Ali, Abdullah Abdul Razaq, Sumoud Al-Mu’min, Iman Al-Husseini, alongside Lebanese star Maggie Bou Ghosn, who is undertaking her first experience in Gulf theater.”

Al-Shatti stated that the artistic diversity in “Al-Khiran Park,” along with the production partnership between Eagle Films, Ktwoil, and Partners, contributed to delivering a cohesive work that succeeded in winning the audience’s trust within Kuwait and continues to harvest success in its Gulf stops today.