“Art of Imagination”… the first Saudi puppet theater festival starting from Al-Ahsa

The first Saudi Theater "Brides"For the child and the family, under the slogan: "Fantasy art"which lasts for 5 days at Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association, organized by Al-Tarf Theater Club, and a platform "Amateur".

It is considered a theatre "Brides" An ancient dramatic and expressive art that relies on moving anthropomorphic dolls in front of the audience to embody characters and tell stories, in the presence of Khaled Al-Baz, Director General of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in the Kingdom, and CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, Dr. Sami Al-Jamaan, member of the Board of Directors of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, and Vice President of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, and Saleh Al-Khamis, Director of the Culture and Arts Society in Al-Ahsa, amid a large and remarkable presence of families, children, and interested parties.

The opening ceremony was witnessed. Presenting various shows on stage "Brides" For the child and the family, under the slogan: "Fantasy art"The audience interacted with her.

Creative Talents

Khaled Al-Baz, Director General of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in the Kingdom, and CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, confirmed to…"today"Al-Ahsa Governorate is full of talents and creativity in various fields, and it is a birthplace of innovators and successive achievements, and it has always been an incubator for many programs and events, for 50 years, in fact, from this great continuous history, 16 branches, and 11 thousand members.

He pointed out that what the creative people offer today is the best evidence of the energies and capabilities that the Kingdom possesses, stressing the importance of supporting these talents and continuing to nurture them through… Cultural and educational platforms that contribute to refining and empowering them, in partnership between cultural and educational bodies.

He explained that the Theater and Performing Arts Association will be a partner in a festival held in the Al-Baha region, in a way that enhances support for cultural programs and festivals and empowers Saudi talent in various regions of the Kingdom.

A distinguished experience

He thanked all those in charge of the festival, led by Mohammed Al-Houbi, appreciating his efforts in making the event a success. He also praised the people of Al-Ahsa and the honorable models they provide in the fields of creativity and culture.

He stressed the success. The truth is not limited to holding the festival, but rather lies in the sustainability of these initiatives and the development of the cultural product directed to children, stressing the importance of providing continuous cultural, educational and entertainment programs that contribute to building generations and developing their capabilities.

He concluded by praising the puppet and puppet theater performances he saw, considering it a distinguished experience that calls for pride, especially since it was presented by compassionate hands and reflects the development witnessed by the cultural and artistic movement in the Kingdom.

An exceptional event

The doctor said. Sami Al-Jamaan, member of the Board of Directors of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, and Vice President of the Theater and Performing Arts Association: "We are witnessing an exceptional event in Al-Ahsa, represented by the launch of the first doll and puppet festival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a cultural and artistic achievement that reflects the creative movement that the governorate is witnessing. Today we see great joy in the eyes of children, and wide interaction from families, in addition to an atmosphere full of vitality and activity, which confirms the success of the festival in achieving its goals and providing a distinct and pioneering artistic and cultural experience at various levels.".

He said: "We must praise the great efforts made by those in charge of the festival, led by Mohammed Al-Houbi, Chairman of the Committee, who made exceptional efforts and harnessed his capabilities so that this festival could see the light, in cooperation with the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Society, to become a reality that enriches the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom."

A remarkable presence and a bright image.

Youssef Al-Khamis, Director of the Culture and Arts Association in Al-Ahsa, said that the Puppet Festival, which is being held for the first time in the Kingdom, represents a distinctive cultural and artistic initiative launched by the Al-Tarf Theater Club registered on the Al-Tarf Theater Club. "Amateur"Under the supervision of the Culture and Arts Association in Al-Ahsa.

He explained that the idea of the festival was adopted and its launch was announced by Muhammad Al-Houbi, Chairman of the Committee, who worked to transform it into reality, presenting a bright picture of puppet theatre, by reviewing its methods and artistic tools, and the cultural and entertainment value this art carries, expressing his wishes for the continuation of the festival and achieving success, as it represents a qualitative addition to the theatrical and cultural scene in the Kingdom, and enhancing the presence of puppetry among various groups. Community.

Enhancing children’s imagination and creativity

Mohamed Al-Houbi, director of the Puppet Theater Festival, confirmed that the festival is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that the idea of the project began in 2024 by presenting a number of experimental performances, before waiting and working on developing it until it became an integrated festival.

The festival includes five theatrical performances, in addition to four various visual and interactive performances, in addition to puppet shows in the outdoor squares and a garden. Butterflies, indicating that these events extend over five days to provide an integrated entertainment and cultural experience for children and families.

He added that all the performances were designed to enhance the child’s imagination and develop his creative abilities, as the directing took into account the presentation of works with broad imaginative dimensions that contribute to expanding children’s perceptions, in addition to including purposeful educational and value-based messages that help instill positive behaviors and develop the child’s personality.

Pride and Ambition

The presenter of the ceremony, student Mahdi Al-Ahmad, expressed his happiness and pride in participating in presenting the opening ceremony of the Puppet Festival, which is hosted by the Culture Association. and arts in Al-Ahsa, stressing that this experience represents an important milestone in his career.

He said that standing in front of this large audience at an event of this size gave him a feeling of pride and pleasure, extending his thanks to all those in charge of the festival, success partners and supporters, who contributed to the success of this cultural event.

He added that he aspires to develop his skills in elocution, presentation and public speaking, and to represent his country and society well in local and international forums, asking God for success in serving his religion, country and people.

The child Buthaina Al-Shafi’i expressed her happiness with what she saw from the festival’s activities, stressing that the puppet play was beautiful, and that she enjoyed all its parts.

She said: "Everything we watched was beautiful, and we really enjoyed the shows"She expressed her wish to attend the festival activities again in the coming days.

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