KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24:  The Kuwaiti Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, emphasized the importance of theater in fostering cultural dialogue and reinforcing the position of culture, arts, and literature as a means of mutual understanding. His remarks came during the closing ceremony of the 15th Youth Theater Days Festival, held at the Abdulhussain Abdulredha Theater in Salmiya.

In his speech, Al-Mutairi described the cultural forum as one of the most significant theatrical events supporting youth and reflecting Kuwait's unwavering commitment to promoting artistic and cultural creativity. He pointed out that the festival coincides with Kuwait being named the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.

The Minister further stated that the festival serves as a vital platform that nurtures the talents of youth, encourages theatrical innovation, revitalizes the spirit of Kuwaiti theater, and connects generations in their creative journeys. Al-Mutairi explained that the festival provides a fertile environment for discovering new talent and presenting it to the public, while also highlighting the role of theater as a key tool for cultural and social expression.

He noted that these activities are in line with the strategy of the Public Authority for Youth, the festival’s organizer, to achieve sustainable cultural development. The festival supports a youth policy based on openness and communication with other cultures.

Al-Mutairi also acknowledged the State of Kuwait’s significant achievements in theater, attributing this success to the efforts of its creators and the unwavering support of Kuwait’s wise leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The Minister expressed his admiration for the exceptional career of the renowned artist Hayat Al-Fahad, who has become an iconic figure in the Arab and Kuwaiti artistic scene. Al-Mutairi commended her distinguished contributions to the dramatic and theatrical landscape, highlighting her work as an inspiration for multiple generations. He also praised her selection as the festival's honored personality as a tribute to her accomplishments and efforts in Kuwaiti and Arab arts.

In his concluding remarks, Al-Mutairi thanked the organizing committee of the festival and everyone who contributed to making the event a success. He also congratulated the winners of the festival’s awards.

In response, artist Hayat Al-Fahad expressed her gratitude for the festival’s decision to honor her, particularly as it coincided with Kuwait’s national holidays. She thanked Minister Al-Mutairi and the officials at the Public Authority for Youth for this recognition. Al-Fahad praised all the participating theater groups, acknowledging their outstanding performances, which earned the admiration of the audience. She stated that their participation itself was a victory and reiterated her readiness to support young artists in their continued efforts to advance Kuwaiti theater.

Minister Al-Mutairi, along with Nasser Al-Sheikh, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Youth, and the supervising committee, presented the festival’s awards. The play Backstage Scream by the Trend Company won the Best Integrated Theatrical Show award. The same play also received the Best Lighting award, which was given to artist Fadel Al-Nassar, as well as the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards for Mohammed Al-Muslim and Shahd Khosro.

The Kuwaiti Theater Group’s play A Critical Evening won five awards, including the Excellence Award for Acting Performance, awarded to Abdullah Al-Balushi, Best Makeup for Istiqlal Mal Allah, Best Music and Musical Effects for Mohammed Al-Basiri, Best Costumes for Fatima Al-Azmi, and Best Decor for Khaled Al-Salem.

The Gulf Theater Group’s Monkey's Claw won three awards, including Best Leading Actor and Actress for Mohammed Al-Kazemi and Fatima Asad, as well as the Jury Award, presented by the Trend Company to Ahmed Ayad for his role in the play.

The Arab Theater Group’s The Game in the Box won the Best Playwriting Award for Musa Bahman, while Musab Al-Salem received the Best Play Direction Award for his work on A Corpse on the Sidewalk.

With these accolades, the 15th Youth Theater Days Festival concluded, leaving a lasting mark on Kuwait’s vibrant theater scene.