KUWAIT: The play “King of the Stage” was restaged at Souq Sharq Theater, telling the story of an artist struggling against marginalization while trying to make his mark in the Kuwaiti art scene. Written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar, the production first premiered during Eid Al-Fitr and received widespread audience acclaim. The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) later included it in the Summer Cultural 17 festival, recognizing its contribution to Kuwaiti theater and its cultural significance.
“As a body dedicated to bringing culture to the public, the Council sees this project both as an inspiration and a responsibility, especially as Kuwait celebrates its role as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025,” Safar told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Friday. He added that the production team is determined to demonstrate that Kuwaiti theater can deliver works of high artistic quality.
Lead actor Khaled Al-Mudhafar said the play addresses themes such as artistic vanity, the impact of social media on cultural and social life, and works that fail to reflect authentic identity, which can influence youth perceptions. Al-Mudhafar portrays Ibrahim Ahsanhom, a comedian who later becomes a carpenter due to age and health challenges, yet is urged to return to the stage. “The play sends a crucial message: the audience is the true king of the theater. Their support or criticism shapes the fate of art and artists,” he said.
Blending comedy with melancholy, the play symbolically depicts an artist who dedicates his life to the stage but remains unacknowledged until his absence is felt. Scenes alternate between nostalgic memories and the harsh realities of life. The performance is part of NCCAL’s Summer Cultural 17 festival, which aims to enrich Kuwait’s cultural scene during the summer and present works that resonate with audiences.
The council emphasizes theater as a cornerstone of artistic creativity in Kuwait, supporting local productions, hosting regional and international works, and cultivating public appreciation for diverse art forms. It also provides platforms, performance opportunities, and training for theater artists of all generations, recognizing their role in enriching Kuwait’s cultural landscape and promoting its civilizational image regionally and internationally. — KUNA
