The Ithra Short Play Competition has cemented its place as a launchpad for local and Arab theater talent, offering a platform where emerging artists can showcase their creativity before a panel of seasoned judges and a passionate audience. Its mission is clear: to foster a culture that values theater and to nurture works capable of standing on the international stage.
The Winners
This year’s edition concluded with several standout productions taking top honors. “Speak So I May See You” was named Best Play and also won Best Script Adaptation. Adnan Bal’eis received Best Director, while Best Actor went to Hassan Al-Ali. The Best Actress award was shared by Fatimah Al-Jashi and Sousan Al-Idrees. “Until Hope Fades” won Best Script, while “Role Rotation” and “Landmarks” shared the Jury’s Choice Award. The Audience Choice Award went to “Layla and Qais the Bear.”
A Milestone Year
Marking its fifth anniversary, the competition was organized in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts and the British Council. Beyond the contest, the program featured networking opportunities, cultural talks led by global theater experts, one-on-one sessions with industry professionals, and daily discussions with directors and their creative teams.
Honoring Icons and Expanding Horizons
The festival opened with a tribute to Abdulaziz Al-Semayel, honoring his lifelong contributions to Saudi theater. Audiences were also treated to a guest performance from Oman titled “The Storm”, which tells the story of two tailors trapped in routine monotony who decide to stage a play set on a ship caught in a massive storm.
Impact and Growth
Since its launch in 2021, the Ithra Short Play Competition has produced more than 50 plays and supported over 660 emerging talents, enabling them to develop original works that resonate with audiences across the region. Participation continues to grow each year, underscoring the competition’s role in shaping the future of Saudi theater.
About Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), based in Dhahran, opened to the public in 2018 and has become a hub for creativity and innovation. Its world-class facilities—including a theater, museum, cinema, library, and the iconic Ithra Tower—serve as spaces for discovery, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
