MUSCAT, Oman, Jan 13: Kuwaiti director Mohammad Al-Ansari emphasized on Monday the significance of presenting exceptional and well-rounded theatrical and artistic works to leave a distinctive Kuwaiti mark in various Arab and international festivals.

Al-Ansari made this statement to KUNA during his participation in the 15th Arab Theater Festival, which began last Thursday in Muscat, Oman, and runs until January 15.

He highlighted that Kuwait is represented in the festival by the play Ghusat Abour, performed by the Kuwaiti Theater Troupe. Directed by Al-Ansari and written by Taghreed Al-Daoud, the play was previously showcased at Kuwait's local theater festival, where it won the award for Best Theatrical Performance.

Al-Ansari explained that the play revolves around a group of expatriates who find themselves stranded on a fragile pedestrian bridge connecting two border crossings. Each character has a deep personal history tied to the bridge, symbolizing their feeling of being stuck, like a lump caught in the throat.

He added that the play addresses important humanitarian themes, with the metaphor of people stranded on the bridge symbolizing individuals who feel trapped in life due to social, political, economic, or other challenges.

Al-Ansari also noted that the Arab Theater Authority’s judging panel selected 11 plays from 175 submissions by Arab countries to compete for the Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al-Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Performance. He pointed out that Kuwait’s Ghusat Abour was one of the 11 selected works, describing this as a major achievement for authentic Kuwaiti art and a reflection of the efforts of the Kuwaiti Theater Troupe.

The director stressed the importance of organizing such artistic and cultural festivals to explore diverse theatrical experiences, provide ample opportunities for the development of theatrical creativity, and foster the exchange of ideas and perspectives between Arab and international theater professionals.