RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival is commemorating the late Saudi playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim for his pioneering theatrical contributions through one of his plays and an art exhibition dedicated to his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exhibition includes a collection of Al-Othaim\u2019s audio and written works and poems, in addition to the shields and certificates of honor that he obtained during his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival will also present a film that tells Al-Othaim\u2019s biography and artistic history, during which his friends and colleagues present testimonies on his achievements, how he began his career and his passion for theater and writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the past 50 years, Al-Othaim formed a unique cultural, artistic and intellectual movement in the Kingdom. His theatrical texts are distinguished by the inspiration they take from Arab, Islamic and Saudi heritage and myths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During his artistic career, Al-Othaim was keen to present only the best works to the public, and he saw theater as a gateway to art through which he could display his creativity and artistic writings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He devoted much of his time to theatrical writing, presenting 45 successful works over 33 years. He was the first to write a play for the inaugural Souk Okaz Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Najla Al-Saleem, a plastic artist, told Arab News: \u201cHonoring creative people, especially during their period in life, is considered a great support. For juniors, honoring seniors means support and encouragement for novice artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe artist does not only present art, he presents culture and (is) considered as a beautiful ambassador to his country, so it is important to honor the artist during his life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She added the Ministry of Culture has contributed to honoring many innovators and pioneers in the fields of literature and theater, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs plastic artists, we are living in a beautiful golden phase supported by the Ministry of Culture and the government,\u201d Al-Saleem said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riyadh Theater Festival was launched last week and is organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival aims to stimulate and activate the Saudi theatrical movement through a package of performances to support local theater productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival, which runs until Dec. 24, is being held at the conference center at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will feature plays performed by theater groups from eight cities, as well as activities including seminars, critical reading sessions and workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival aims to support Saudi talent by helping participants further their careers and create content that inspires audiences and enriches the Saudi theater scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tunisia is also participating in the festival within the framework of the strong historical ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival will also present awards in 11 categories including best theatrical script, best theatrical direction, and best theatrical music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By organizing this festival, the commission aims to boost the theater sector in line with the National Strategy for Culture, part of the Kingdom\u2019s Vision 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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