"Back Stage"... Kicks Off with Honoring Pioneers and Young Stars

The third edition of the “Back Stage” theater festival kicked off on the stage of the Salimiyah Theater, under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, in an evening that brought together a constellation of Kuwaiti theater stars on the stage of the Salimiyah Sports Club, amidst artistic and public attendance.

The ceremony included honoring veteran artists Jassem Al-Nabhani and Abdulrahman Al-Aqil. The festival also paid tribute to several late figures whose works remain vivid in the artistic memory, including the late veteran actress Haya Al-Fahd, the late singer and composer Khalid Sultan, and the late actor Jaber Sabah.

The honors continued to recognize numerous stars of the Kuwaiti theater movement from different generations, in appreciation of their contributions to enriching theater. Leading them were veteran actress Heifa Adel, veteran media personality Amal Abdullah, and director Fahd Al-Fallah, alongside young artists Hamad Al-Omani, Shamlan Al-Majed, Mohammed Abdulrazzaq, Duaij Al-Khamis, Ghadeer Hassan, Abdulrahman Al-Fahad, and Ryan Dashti.

The opening ceremony began with a song about theater performed by artists Ahmed bin Hussein and Amani Al-Dub, followed by the opening performance of the play “We Were and We Still Are... and We Will Remain,” directed by Sultan Mohammed and starring Bashar Al-Jazzaf, Majed Al-Balushi, Nasser Al-Shaie, Fatima Asad, Mohammed Al-Mansouri, and Khalid Al-Daihani, along with a group of young artists and acrobats.

The performance featured a surprise appearance by artist Abdulrahman Al-Aqil as a guest of honor in the final scene. The work showcased the history of Kuwaiti theater, evoking its most prominent symbols and influential figures through impersonations of several artists who left their mark on the theater movement, emphasizing that theater is a message passed down through generations with love and dedication.

The production team also succeeded in transporting the audience back to the beautiful past, recalling theatrical works that marked significant milestones in Kuwaiti artistic memory.

Following the performance, artist Abdulrahman Al-Aqil praised the efforts of Mohammed Al-Humli in nurturing young talents, commending the support provided by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, represented by its Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Financial, Administrative, and Supporting Artistic Affairs, Muaid Al-Zamil, as well as officials at the Ministry of Information, for their backing of the artistic and theater movement.

Subsequently, artist Hind Al-Balushi took the stage to host the ceremony, distinguished by her naturalness in managing the program. She welcomed the attendees and spoke about the efforts led by the festival, praising Mohammed Al-Humli’s role in developing theater, embracing young talents, and extending a helping hand to many artists.

For his part, Festival President Mohammed Al-Humli stated in his speech that the festival continues to support youth, emphasizing that the presence of major stars alongside them represents a significant value. He expressed his happiness at the festival reaching its third edition and extended his gratitude to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, as well as to all honorees and attendees.

On his part, Festival Executive Director and artist Abdullah Al-Khudher noted that the festival is committed to supporting youth, just as major stars did for them in their early days, explaining that they aim to serve as a bridge between generations.

He added, “I wish success to the youth. Nothing is impossible with ambition, and enjoy what you present on the theater stage.”

In a speech filled with warmth and appreciation, the namesake of the edition, veteran artist Jassem Al-Nabhani, said, “He who walks the path will reach it, and this proverb has been realized by Mohammed Al-Humli, who walked the path and reached the summit.”

Al-Nabhani noted that the hand that supported Mohammed in his early days is now extended by him to others, emphasizing that theater teaches leadership and teamwork, and shapes a citizen who loves his country, obeys his ruler, and holds fast to his heritage.

Al-Nabhani revealed that he has followed many of Mohammed Al-Humli’s works, pointing out that the play “Majboor” embodied the spirit of the late pioneers. He praised everyone who contributed to its production, extending a special tribute to Al-Humli and wishing success for all participants, noting that no work is considered a failure as long as it is backed by effort and dedication.

Ten theatrical performances representing various entities are competing for awards in the current edition of the festival, with the competition running until November 11.

The jury is chaired by Jaber Al-Mohammadi and includes Ali Kamal, Hessa Al-Nabhani, Abdulaziz Al-Jarib, and Duaa Khatib.