'Backstage Group 3'... 'Celebrates Kuwaiti Theater Pioneers'

On a night that celebrated the history of Kuwaiti theater, evoking its symbols and achievements, the third edition of the "Back Stage Group" theater festival kicked off on the stage of the Al-Salmiya Sports Club, under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and under the slogan "Creating Creative Opportunities in Theater." The event drew a significant audience and an artistic atmosphere that reflected the status of theater in Kuwait’s cultural landscape.

This edition was named after the veteran artist Jassim Al-Nabhan, while artist Abdul Rahman Al-Aqil was chosen as the head of the Supreme Committee and the festival’s personality for this year, in an initiative reflecting the organizers’ appreciation for artistic figures who contributed to enriching the theater movement. The opening highlighted the organizational efforts of the "Back Stage Group" foundation, led by artist Mohammed Al-Humaidi and his team, in presenting an event characterized by diversity and professionalism, and affirming the role of the private sector in supporting cultural initiatives and opening new horizons for young talents.

The ceremony began, following the national anthem, with a theatrical showcase titled "We Were, and We Still Are, and We Will Remain," written and directed by Sultan Mohammed, which recalled key milestones and prominent figures in the memory of Kuwaiti theater. Mohammed Al-Mansouri portrayed the character "Walad Al-Dira" in the play "Lulaki," while Majid Al-Balushi embodied the character Tariq Al-Ali in "Ah Ya Darb Al-Zalaq." Bashar Al-Jazzaf brought to life the character Daoud Hussein in "Elect Um Ali," and Khaled Al-Daihani portrayed Saleh Al-Bawi in "Al-Kora Madoura." Fatima Asad and Nasser Al-Shaikh also participated in depicting the story of two young men aspiring to stardom and performing on stage, accompanied by a musical performance by artists Ahmed bin Hussein and Amani Al-Dub.

Ten Shows

Artist Hind Al-Baluchi hosted the event’s segments, revealing the participation of ten theatrical shows in the competitions, representing various entities. Prizes will be awarded for writing, directing, and acting in the first and second lead roles, as well as for promising talents, in addition to categories for set design, lighting, costumes, makeup, and sound effects, alongside an award for the best complete show and three special prizes presented by the festival.

Youth Dreams

In his opening remarks, festival director and artist Mohammed Al-Humaidi explained that hosting this event represents the realization of a dream to support youth through private sector initiatives and to strengthen Kuwaiti artistic identity.

For his part, executive director and artist Abdullah Al-Khudher confirmed the provision of the necessary artistic and logistical resources for the participating shows, aiming to nurture talents and provide them with a genuine space for creativity and experimentation. Meanwhile, general supervisor and artist Yousef Al-Hashash noted that the winning show will have the opportunity to present a public performance and open its ticket box to the audience.

"Positive"

For his side, veteran artist Jassim Al-Nabhan, patron of the edition’s slogan, expressed his pride in theater as a collective endeavor that reinforces values of love and belonging, and strengthens the connection of generations to their land, heritage, and authenticity. He praised the theatrical experiences presented by Al-Humaidi, most notably the play "Moujeb" (Positive).

Festival Personality

The evening also featured a segment of tribute, honoring artist Abdul Rahman Al-Aqil as the festival’s personality, alongside commemorating the names of departed artists whose legacy remains present: artist Haya Al-Fahd, whose tribute was accepted by lawyer and media personality Khaled Al-Rashid, president of the Kuwait Federation for Artistic Production; artist and composer Khaled Al-Sultan, whose tribute was accepted on his behalf by his son Waleed Al-Sultan; and comedian Jaber Al-Sabah, whose tribute was accepted by his brother, artist Taher Al-Sabah, who delivered a speech thanking the festival management for this initiative.

The ceremony also honored Mariam Abdulrahim, head of the Committee for Monitoring Adult Theater Performances at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters; artist Haifa Adel; and media personality Amal Abdullah, who emphasized in her speech the importance of loyalty and the intergenerational transmission of its values. Other honorees included actor Hamad Al-Omani, director Fahad Al-Falah, along with Shamlan Al-Majid, who received his award from Shahin Al-Shahin, as well as Mohammed Al-Abdulrazzaq, Duja Al-Khamis, Ghadeer Hassan, Abdulrahman Al-Fahad, and Ryan Dashti.

The opening ceremony concluded with honors bestowed upon the members of the artistic committee and the jury, paving the way for a ten-day theater competition. This edition aims to discover new talent, provide practical opportunities for young people, and strengthen the presence of independent theater initiatives in supporting Kuwait’s cultural and artistic landscape.