KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi on Saturday urged Kuwaiti youth to channel their passion into meaningful artistic creations, praising the talent displayed at the 16th Youth Theater Days Festival.

Speaking at the closing session of the week-long festival at Dasma Theater, Al-Mutairi commended “the distinguished presence of youth and playwrights,” saying the festival showcased how young artists can transform their zest for art into “sober drama” that reflects their culture and aspirations. He added, “The outstanding presence of Kuwaiti youth dramatists at the festival shows the great importance the State attaches to culture and arts in building the capacity of the youth, fostering their skills, and bolstering the national identity and opening up to the modern artistic trends.”

Highlighting the role of the Public Authority for Youth, organizer of the festival, Al-Mutairi said, “The Authority gives precedence to the promotion of cultural and artistic creativity in its strategy for empowering the youth and building their capacity in all areas.” He emphasized that the festival offered a unique platform for young artists to demonstrate excellence and produce works addressing social issues thoughtfully, adding, “Theater remains a fertile space for thinking, creativity, and dialogue, able to touch upon societal issues with an innovative spirit and a profound approach.”

The minister expressed appreciation for the support of 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 the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, stressing their belief in youth as builders of Kuwait’s future.

Al-Mutairi also honored acclaimed actor Saad Al-Faraj as the festival’s personality of the year, describing him as “one of the pioneers of Kuwaiti theater with a six-decade legacy of contributions to the Arab cultural movement.” He added, “The Authority’s celebration of this esteemed artist is a tribute to his rich history and his eventful career full of giving and success, which carries the message of theater in its most splendid form.”

The festival’s awards included Best Integrated Theatrical Performance to Saydh Thaaleh (Hunting a Fox), Excellence Award to Hani Al-Hazza for Kamrah, Best Actor in a Leading Role to Jihad Al-Balloushi, and Best Actress in a Leading Role to Raheel Al-Metaqi. Other winners were Abdulrahman Al-Fahad (Best Supporting Actor), Doaa Benyan (Best Supporting Actress), Abdulaziz Al-Jeraib (Best Makeup), Mohammad Behbehani (Best Set Design), Shahd Al-Balloushi (Best Costume Design), Salem Al-Jasmi (Best Lighting), Fawwaz Al-Adwani (Best Playwright), Yahya Al-Harasi (Best Director), and Hamad Al-Arouj (Best Music and Soundtrack).

Honoring the festival award winners.

Recognizing one of the winners at the festival awards.