KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) inaugurated the 8th Arab Children’s Theater Festival on Monday with a special opening show titled “Stop”, featuring glimpses of international tales and iconic stories that have left a lasting impression across generations. The festival, held under the patronage of Minister of Information, Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and NCCAL Chairman Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, will run until September 10. Seven theatrical productions from Kuwait, the UAE, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia and Iraq are competing for top honors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Drama Theater of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, NCCAL Secretary General Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar highlighted the role of theater as a mirror of society and a tool for addressing social issues. “Children’s theater transports young audiences to new worlds, nurturing creativity and developing talents from an early age,” he said, expressing pride in reviving the festival after a hiatus and emphasizing its importance in shaping future leaders.
Festival Chairman and Assistant Secretary General for the Arts Sector Musaed Al-Zamel stressed that children’s theater goes beyond entertainment, fostering character development and community building. He highlighted the festival’s focus on Arab stories and praised Dr Al-Jassar for his efforts in reviving the event, as well as the Arab participation that enriches its activities. Festival Director Dr Hussein Al-Musallam expressed pride in the young participants, noting that theater serves as a powerful language of expression and influence. “The festival is from you, for you, and within you,” he told the children.
The opening show, presented by media personality Habeeba Al-Abdullah, combined drama, singing, dancing, and innovative costumes, integrating modern technologies and artificial intelligence to reimagine classics such as Aladdin, Cinderella, Snow White and Laila and the Wolf. The performance also highlighted Kuwaiti landmarks including the Kuwait Towers, Liberation Tower and Mubarakiya market, blending educational and patriotic messages with entertainment.
Competitive shows are being staged at Dasma Theater and the Kuwait National Museum, including: A Lost Wish – Kuwaiti Theater Troupe; All of It is Mercury – Lebanese Puppet Theater; Me and the Clown – Babylon Cultural Foundation, Iraq; The Captain and the Mice – Syrian Marionette Troupe; The Treasure – Arabian Gulf Theater Troupe, Kuwait; In Search of Happiness – Carmen Art Production Company, Tunisia; Jungle Circus – Khorfakkan Arts Theater Troupe, UAE. Additionally, Snow White by Kuwait’s Al-Ru’ya Artistic and Theatrical Production Foundation will be showcased as a parallel, out-of-competition performance. — KUNA
