Night of Loyalty honors theater icons

KUWAIT CITY, May 14: Bayt Al-Masrah (House of Theater) organized the ‘Night of Loyalty’ at the Dr. Suad Al-Sabah Theater in the Kuwait Writers Association two days ago, in remembrance of those whose works are timeless despite their passing, specifically writer and playwright Abdulaziz Al-Sari’ and artist Hayat Al-Fahad. Friends, admirers and the public rushed to record words and recount memories about the careers of the two departed personalities and their huge contributions to the Kuwaiti cultural and artistic landscape. Speaking at the event, esteemed media personality Amal Abdullah stated that the late Al-Sari’i and Al-Fahad were both significant figures. She described Al-Sari’i as the ‘spiritual father’ of Gulf theater and Al- Fahad as his lifelong companion. She said Al-Sari’I was a wise and rational voice, a trusted advisor to all those involved in the arts, while Al-Fahad was the first leading lady in the first play written by the late Saqr Al-Rashoud, titled “Traditions”.

Dr. Yousef Al-Sari’i pointed out that the two deceased personalities are an important part of the history of art, literature and culture, leaving behind a beautiful legacy that will never be forgotten. He asserted that the late Al-Sari’i was a towering figure in theater, literature and culture. He was known for his wisdom and his relationship with artists in and outside Kuwait, in addition to his numerous contributions to radio, television, theater and cinema, as well as his profound vision that accompanied his long career. Young playwright Othman Al-Shatti stressed that the event is a token of love and loyalty from Bayt Al-Masrah to the pillars of Kuwaiti theater.

He affirmed that the organizers were keen on commemorating the most valuable moments and works presented by the two departed figures. Abdullah Safar presented a sculpture depicting the late writer Al-Sari’ and one of his famous plays, “The Rooster is Lost,” while Suhaila Al-Attiyah presented works inspired by the famous works of Al-Fahad. Head of the Kuwaiti Union for Artistic and Theatrical Production, Content Creators and Entertainment, media personality and lawyer Khaled Al-Rashed expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti Writers Association, headed by Secretary General Abdullah Al-Basis and the members of its Board of Directors. Artist Jassim Al-Nabhan stressed that Al- Sari’ made fruitful contributions to the Arabian Gulf theater, and his other literary activities made him a luminary in Arab theatrical culture, while the head of Gulf Arab Theater Troupe, artist Maitham Bader, indicated that the two departed figures “remind us of the value of those who leave a lasting legacy after their passing.”

By Faleh Al-Enezi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff