Kuwait theatrical festival kicks off

KUWAIT, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Actors, playwrights and media icons from the Gulf and wider Arab region attended the launch of Kuwait's 18 theatrical festival, which kicked off on Tuesday under the auspices of Kuwait's Information Minister Mohammad Al-Jabri.
The festival has become an important date on the arts and theatrical calendar in the Arab region, the event's organisers, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature, said during the opening ceremony at Dasma Theatre.
In an opening address, Bader Al-Doweesh, the NCCAL's head of Arts and Theatre, praised Kuwaiti theatrical actors for pushing boundaries forward under the support provided by the state.
Al-Doweesh applauded the accomplishments of the Kuwaiti actors, whose efforts have resulted in numerous awards and prizes given to them on the Arab regional scale.
The event comes to honour those who have led the theatrical movement in Kuwait, he said, and who have made substantial and exceptional contributions throughout the history of the theatre in the country.
It is also dedicated to Arab theatrical productions, giving these works a podium for fair competition with local talent.
Al-Doweesh also paid homage to the late legendary theatrical and TV actor Abdulhusain Abdulredha, who passed away earlier this year, describing him as a "shining beacon" who left behind a "rich artistic legacy" coming generations will never forget.
The opening ceremony witnessed a play dedicated to renowned actress Haifaa Adel, which featured the veteran herself.
The play also carried undertones urging further state financial support for the craft.
Subsequently, a total of eight awards were handed out for the best actor category, including seven Kuwaiti actors and one Bahraini.
Meanwhile, seven plays vie for the best private theatre production award, which will be presented during the festival, which ends on December 22.
The event is also set to host several theatrical and intellectual debates and discussions. (end) wr.sd