Kuwait city: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi addressed the closing session of the 16th Youth Theater Days Festival at Dasma Theater, emphasizing the significance of youth in the arts.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Mutairi praised the remarkable participation of young playwrights, highlighting their ability to transform their enthusiasm for art into impactful drama that mirrors their cultural values and aspirations. The week-long festival served as a showcase for plays penned by creative young dramatists, celebrating Kuwait's cultural richness and leadership in the region.
Al-Mutairi underscored the festival's role in demonstrating the State's commitment to nurturing cultural and artistic talents among youth. He noted that such initiatives are vital in building the capacity of young people, enhancing their skills, and reinforcing national identity while embracing contemporary artistic trends.
He further acknowledged the efforts of the Youth Public Authority, the event's organizer, in prioritizing cultural and artistic growth as part of its youth empowerment strategy. The recently concluded festival offered a distinctive platform for Kuwaiti youth to exhibit their creativity and tackle social issues through innovative and thoughtful art.
The minister expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for their dedication to youth empowerment and the advancement of cultural and artistic endeavors in Kuwait.
Al-Mutairi also paid tribute to Saad Al-Faraj, a renowned Kuwaiti actor honored as the festival's personality of the year, recognizing his six-decade contribution to the Arab cultural scene.
The festival concluded with several awards: 'Saydh Thaaleh' won best complete drama, Hani Al-Hazza'e received the excellence award for 'Kamrah,' Jehad Al-Balloushi and Raheel Al-Metaqi were named best main actor and actress respectively. Other awards included best second actor, best second actress, best makeup artist, best set designer, best costume designer, and best lighting designer.
Additionally, Fawwaz Al-Adwani was awarded best playwright, Yahya Al-Harrasi best director, and Hamad Al-Arouj best music and soundtrack. The festival, which commenced on November 17 at Dasma Theater, featured five plays: 'Menabeh,' 'Kamrah,' 'Al-Muqabalah,' 'Al-Wahsh Allathi Rabbaitah,' and 'Saydh Saaleh.