Khalid Al-Kharafi tells Al-Rai: "Happy Birthday"... It brought me together with a new idea and a cast I love
Amidst rehearsals and preparations to take the stage, actress Shahd Khasraw continues her training for the family musical play “Happy Birthday,” under the general supervision of Mohammed Rashid Al-Humaidi and produced by Back Stage Group. The production aims to offer a distinct experience that blends suspense with spectacle, appealing to family audiences across all age groups.
In a statement to “Al-Rai,” Shahd said, “I find in this project, which kicks off on September 20 at the Al-Salmiya Club Theatre, an opportunity to deliver a new experience for me, both in terms of the character I portray and the nature of the show itself. This has made me eager to embark on this adventure, especially since it belongs to works that rely on visuals and spectacle alongside storytelling. Therefore, I tell the audience: get ready for a theatrical experience filled with laughter and unexpected moments.”
Regarding her character in the play, she clarified, “My role in the play is beautiful and new to me, and I have greatly enjoyed the experience, particularly because I am working with a wonderful team I love. This includes the director and playwright, artist Hessa Al-Nabhan, who stars alongside my fellow artists Suad Al-Husseini, Aziz Al-Saadoun, Ghadeer Hassan, Hussein Al-Mahanna, Daajee Khamis, Hamoud Al-Omairi, Mohammed Abdulrazzaq, as well as the rest of the production team.”
She added, “My enthusiasm does not stem from the character alone; I believe the concept behind the play was a primary reason for my decision to participate. I found in it a difference worth experiencing, along with the attention paid to its execution and its transformation from a script into a live performance on stage. I also cannot forget the wonderful family atmosphere we share with the Back Stage Group team, whom I always enjoy working with.”
When asked about her greater preference, whether for children’s or adult theater, she explained, “For me, this is my second experience in children’s theater. I have no problem working in either children’s or adult theater, as both are enjoyable, provided that the script is beautiful, presented well, and supported by a correct directorial vision.”
She concluded, “The importance of this vision lies in the fact that, in my view, children’s theater should not be treated as a secondary art form, but rather as a space that requires a different kind of presence from the artist. Children interact directly with the performance and are affected by visual, kinetic, and rhythmic details. Meanwhile, the presence of adults in the audience serves as a motivation to deliver content that goes beyond simple entertainment. Thus, a successful family production, in my opinion, is one that can provide children with their own enjoyment without losing the interest of the adult viewer in what is happening on stage. This equation seems to be present in ‘Happy Birthday’ through its spectacular nature and suspenseful atmosphere.”
