Al-Zamil's Assistant: Development of Dasma Theater a Genuine Partnership Between National Culture and Private Sector

Assistant Assistant Secretary for Financial, Administrative, and Supporting Technical Affairs at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Muaid Al-Zamil, confirmed that the development project of the Dasma Theatre represents the fruit of institutional work and a genuine partnership between the NCCAL and the private sector. He clarified that six companies submitted bids, three of which met the requirements, before the contract was awarded to Al-Salam Al-Awwal Company as the highest bidder that fulfilled the specified conditions and requirements.

Al-Zamil’s remarks came during a press conference held at the Dasma Theatre to announce its imminent opening following the completion of development and rehabilitation works. The event was attended by the chairman of the board of directors of Al-Salam Al-Awwal for General Trading and Contracting and its subsidiary, Al-Salam Media Group, artist Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, and artist Dr. Tariq Al-Ali, alongside representatives of local media and press.

Al-Zamil explained that this partnership was not based merely on entrusting the project to a traditional contractor, but rather on selecting an entity that combines executive capability with artistic and theatrical expertise. This approach ensures the preservation of the theatre’s historical identity and its development by specialists who understand the needs of the theatre, artists, audiences, and producers.

He noted that his entry into the arts sector coincided with a period when the Dasma, Howain, Al-Shamiya, and Abdulhussain Abdulredha theatres were closed due to the lack of fire safety system licenses. He emphasized that protecting lives and ensuring the safety of the public, artists, and staff remains a priority that cannot be compromised, regardless of the importance of theatrical activities.

He recalled that one of the initial challenges he faced was organizing the Kuwait Theatre Festival. Coordination was established with the General Fire Force to obtain temporary licenses, with fire trucks provided throughout the festival period, given that the old theatres were not equipped with modern fire safety systems. He pointed out that holding events at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre was one of the proposed solutions, but its cost drained festival budgets. This led to the idea of a more sustainable model involving the specialized private sector in restarting and developing theatres, in accordance with state laws and regulations, under the supervision of the NCCAL and its engineering sector.

He added that he presented the idea to NCCAL Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Al-Jasem, and then to the former Minister of Information and Culture, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, where it received acceptance and support. Work began on preparing a tender document and specifications to preserve the identity of historical theatres, primarily Dasma and Howain, and to establish a clear framework for development, operation, and supervision.

For his part, artist Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi praised the political leadership and government’s vision in supporting culture and arts and enhancing partnerships between state institutions and the private sector. He commended the efforts of the NCCAL under the leadership of its Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jasem, and the prominent role played by Assistant Secretary General Muaid Al-Zamil in proposing the project, following up on it, overcoming its challenges, and accelerating its procedures until it transformed from an idea into a realized achievement.

He noted that the Dasma stage hosted landmark works in Kuwaiti and Gulf memory, including "Bye Bye London," "Hello Bangkok," and "Hami Al-Diyar," as well as the first play performed after liberation, "Kuwait Free," and the two national plays "Desert Storm" and "Sword of the Arabs," among others.

He clarified that the current development project was completed in just three months, despite regional challenges, disruptions to some shipping and supply lines, delays in the arrival of certain materials and equipment, exceptional conditions, and high temperatures. He emphasized that the team continued execution at an intensive pace to bring the theater to a level befitting its history and the Kuwaiti audience.

For his part, artist Dr. Tariq Al-Ali noted that Muslim artists played a prominent role in restoring the Dasma Theater after the liberation of Kuwait and addressing the devastation left by the invasion. He stressed that these efforts contributed to restoring morale among young and creative artists at that time.

He added that the Dasma Theater holds beautiful memories for Kuwaitis, and its development today restores to the theatrical scene one of its most important platforms. This comes at a time when producers face difficulty finding suitable and equipped venues to present performances, prompting some to convert cinema halls and other sites into temporary theaters.

Al-Zamil stressed that putting the Dasma Theater up for investment and development was a pivotal step in reviving theatrical facilities, emphasizing that the project offers a successful model of integration between the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters and the private sector in serving Kuwaiti culture.

Muslim revealed that the official opening of the Dasma Theater will take place on October 29, with the launch of the play “Al-Taqqaqa Noura – Jinn’s Wedding.” He confirmed that the performance will be presented in a new format that leverages advanced stage, sound, lighting, effects, and scenography capabilities, taking on an artistic and technical form that aligns with global theatrical productions.