Festival will feature plays performed by theater groups from eight cities, as well as activities including seminars, critical reading sessions and workshops Event commemorates late Saudi ‎playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim for his pioneering theatrical ‎contributions RIYADH: The Theater and Performing Arts Commission on Dec. 13 inaugurated the first edition of the Riyadh Theater Festival under the patronage of Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. To be held until Dec. 24, the event is being organized at Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh. The festival will feature plays performed by theater groups from eight cities, as well as activities including seminars, critical reading sessions and workshops. The Riyadh Theater Festival commemorates the late Saudi ‎playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim for his pioneering theatrical ‎contributions through the presentation of a play he wrote and ‎an art ‎exhibition dedicated to his career‎. The festival aims to support Saudi talent by helping participants further their careers and create content that inspires audiences and enriches Saudi theater. The plays that will be performed are “Sea” by the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association Troupe, “The Forbidden” by the First Leap Club Troupe, “Beginnings of Abandonment” by the Close Media Ensemble, “Slap” by the Kalos Ensemble, “The Devil’s Memory” by the Ruya Ensemble, “Light” by Taif Theater, “Newspaper Seller” by the Fun Box Ensemble, “Yellow Memory” by the Nawras Ensemble, “Closed Roundabout” by the Masma Theater Club, and “The Last Shadow” by the National Theater Ensemble. By organizing this festival, the commission aims ‎to generate interest in Saudi theater and boost the sector in line ‎with the National Strategy for Culture, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.