Ithra concludes sixth Short Play Competition in Dhahran

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a Saudi Aramco initiative, announced the winners of its sixth edition of the Ithra Short Play Competition during its closing ceremony held on the evening of August 15, 2026, in Dhahran. Five theatrical works competed for seven awards, showcasing the growing vibrancy of theater and performing arts in the region.

Context and Background

The competition, which began accepting registrations in April 2026, underwent multiple stages including submission, acceptance, training, and final performances. This year’s edition expanded the scope of participating theatrical experiences, with ten plays reaching the final stage. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering cultural enrichment and supporting creative industries.

Key Details

The awards spanned various categories including Best Scenography, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Script, Best Direction, Audience Choice Award, and Best Overall Performance. Notable plays included “Atlantis,” “Container,” and “Law Number Seven” from Saudi Arabia, alongside “The Kite” from Jordan and “Moksha” from Bahrain, reflecting the competition’s commitment to promoting regional theatrical exchange. The center also honored Dr. Mona Kenaano as this year’s distinguished figure for her contributions to preserving traditional performance techniques and advancing modern theater education in Lebanon and the region.

Implications and Impact

Abdullah Al-Hawas, Head of the Performing Arts Unit at Ithra, noted that the competition attracted 123 participants from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, providing a professional platform for theatrical talents. The six-week intensive training program, combining coaching and artistic development, aims to elevate participants’ skills across all stages of theatrical production. This initiative strengthens cultural ties among Arab nations and underscores the Kingdom’s emerging role as a regional cultural hub.

Vision 2030 Alignment

As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and enhance quality of life under Vision 2030, initiatives like the Ithra Short Play Competition play a crucial role in nurturing creative talent and promoting cultural expression. By investing in the arts and providing platforms for innovation, the Kingdom is building a vibrant cultural sector that contributes to its global standing and sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Ithra Short Play Competition?

A1. The Ithra Short Play Competition is an annual event organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a Saudi Aramco initiative, to discover and support emerging theatrical talents in the Arab world.

Q2. Which edition of the competition concluded recently?

A2. The sixth edition of the Ithra Short Play Competition concluded on August 15, 2026, with a closing ceremony held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Q3. How many plays competed in the final stage?

A3. Five theatrical works competed in the final stage for seven awards, while ten plays reached the overall final phase of the competition.

Q4. What awards were given in the competition?

A4. Awards included Best Scenography, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Script, Best Direction, Audience Choice Award, and Best Overall Performance.

Q5. Which countries were represented in the competing plays?

A5. The plays came from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain, specifically the plays “Atlantis,” “Container,” “Law Number Seven,” “The Kite,” and “Moksha.”

Q6. Who was the honored personality this year?

A6. Dr. Mona Kenaano was honored for her role in preserving traditional performance techniques and advancing modern theater education in Lebanon and the region.

Q7. How many participants joined the competition?

A7. A total of 123 participants from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries took part, competing across ten theatrical productions.

Q8. What is the training program offered by Ithra?

A8. Ithra provides a comprehensive six-week training program that includes coaching, guidance, and artistic development to enhance participants’ skills in theatrical production.

Q9. When did registration for the competition open?

A9. Registration opened in April 2026, leading to stages of submission, acceptance, training, and final performances by August.

Q10. What is the significance of the competition for the region?

A10. The competition promotes theatrical movement and exchanges expertise among Arab experiences, fostering cultural collaboration and artistic growth.

Q11. How does the competition support Vision 2030?

A11. It aligns with Vision 2030 by nurturing creative talent, promoting cultural enrichment, and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and quality of life goals.

Q12. Who is the head of the Performing Arts Unit at Ithra?

A12. Abdullah Al-Hawas serves as the Head of the Performing Arts Unit, highlighting the competition’s role in providing professional opportunities for theater talents.

Q13. What are the stages of the competition?

A13. The competition proceeds through registration, submission, acceptance, training, and final performances on stage, culminating in the award ceremony.

Q14. What is the purpose of honoring Dr. Mona Kenaano?

A14. Honoring Dr. Kenaano recognizes her contributions to theater education and preserving traditional performance techniques, inspiring future generations.

Q15. How many awards were available for the competing plays?

A15. There were seven awards in total, including the audience choice and best overall performance, among others.

Q16. What types of theatrical works were presented?

A16. The works were short plays, with diverse themes and styles, representing various Arab theatrical traditions and contemporary approaches.

Q17. How does the competition contribute to cultural exchange?

A17. By including plays from different Arab countries, the competition facilitates cultural dialogue and mutual understanding through the art of theater.

Q18. What is the role of Ithra in the competition?

A18. Ithra organizes and hosts the competition, providing a platform for emerging talents and supporting the development of performing arts in the region.

Q19. Will there be future editions of the competition?

A19. While not explicitly stated, the success of the sixth edition suggests that Ithra will likely continue the competition to sustain momentum in theater development.

Q20. How can interested individuals participate in future editions?

A20. Interested individuals can watch for announcements on Ithra’s official channels regarding registration dates and requirements for upcoming editions.

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