The activities of the first Saudi festival for the art of puppet theater for children and families, under the slogan "Fantasy Art", have launched, lasting for 5 days at the headquarters of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa, organized by Al-Tarf Theater Club and the "Hawi" platform.

Puppet theater is an ancient dramatic and expressive art that relies on moving three-dimensional dolls in front of the audience to embody characters and tell stories, with the presence of Khaled Al-Baz, General Director of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in the Kingdom, and CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, Dr. Sami Al-Jamaan, member of the Board of Directors of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority and Vice President of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, and Saleh Al-Khamees, Director of the Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa, amid a large and notable attendance of families, children, and interested parties.

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The opening ceremony witnessed various performances on the puppet theater for children and families, under the slogan "Fantasy Art", which the audience interacted with.

Creative talents

Khaled Al-Baz, General Director of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in the Kingdom, and CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, told "Al-Youm" that Al-Ahsa Governorate abounds with talents and creativity in various fields, and it is a birthplace of successive creations and achievements, and it has always been a host for many programs and events for 50 years, truly, from this long continuous history, with 16 branches and 11,000 members.

He pointed out that what the creators present today is the best evidence of the energies and capabilities that the Kingdom possesses, stressing the importance of supporting these talents and continuing to nurture them through cultural and educational platforms that contribute to refining and empowering them, in partnership between cultural and educational entities.

Khaled Al-Baz

He explained that the Theater and Performing Arts Society will be a partner in a festival held in Al-Baha region, enhancing support for cultural programs and festivals and empowering Saudi talents in various regions of the Kingdom.

Distinguished experience

He expressed his thanks to all those in charge of the festival, foremost among them Muhammad Al-Hubi, appreciating his efforts in making the event a success, and also praised the people of Al-Ahsa for their honorable models in the fields of creativity and culture.

He emphasized that real success is not limited to holding the festival, but lies in the sustainability of these initiatives and the development of the cultural product directed at the child, stressing the importance of providing continuous cultural, educational, and entertainment programs that contribute to building generations and developing their abilities.

He concluded by praising what he saw of puppet and doll theater performances, considering them a distinguished experience that inspires pride, especially since they were presented by hands from Al-Ahsa, and reflect the development of the cultural and artistic movement in the Kingdom.

Exceptional event

Dr. Sami Al-Jamaan, member of the Board of Directors of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority and Vice President of the Theater and Performing Arts Society, said: "We are experiencing an exceptional event in Al-Ahsa, represented by the launch of the first festival for dolls and puppets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a cultural and artistic achievement that reflects the creative movement in the governorate, and today we see the great joy in the eyes of children, the wide interaction of families, along with an atmosphere full of vitality and activity, confirming the festival's success in achieving its goals, and presenting a distinguished and pioneering artistic and cultural experience at all levels."

Dr. Sami Al-Jamaan

He said: "We must commend the great efforts made by those in charge of the festival, foremost among them Muhammad Al-Hubi, head of the committee, who made exceptional efforts and dedicated his capabilities to bring this festival to light, in cooperation with the Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa, making it a reality that enriches the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom."

Notable attendance and bright image

Youssef Al-Khamees, Director of the Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa, said that the puppet festival, held for the first time in the Kingdom, represents a distinguished cultural and artistic initiative launched by Al-Tarf Theater Club registered on the "Hawi" platform, under the supervision of the Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa.

He explained that the festival idea was adopted and its launch announced by Muhammad Al-Hubi, head of the committee, who worked to turn it into reality, presenting a bright image of puppet theater, by showcasing its methods and artistic tools, and the cultural and entertainment value this art holds, expressing his hopes for the festival's continuation and success, as it represents a qualitative addition to the theatrical and cultural scene in the Kingdom, and enhances the presence of puppet art among various segments of society.

Youssef Al-Khamees

Enhancing child's imagination and creativity

Muhammad Al-Hubi, director of the Puppet Theater Festival, confirmed that the festival is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that the project idea began in 2024 by presenting a number of experimental performances, before pausing and working on developing it until it became a full-fledged festival.

He added that the festival includes five theatrical performances, along with four diverse visual and interactive shows, in addition to doll displays in outdoor squares and the Butterfly Garden, explaining that these activities extend over five days to provide an integrated entertainment and cultural experience for children and families.

Muhammad Al-Hubi

He added that all performances are designed to enhance the child's imagination and develop their creative abilities, as the direction took into account presenting works with broad imaginative dimensions that contribute to expanding children's horizons, along with including purposeful educational and moral messages that help instill positive behaviors and develop the child's personality.

Pride and ambition

The ceremony presenter, student Mahdi Al-Ahmad, expressed his happiness and pride in participating in presenting the opening ceremony of the puppet festival, hosted by the Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa, affirming that this experience represents an important milestone in his career.

He said that standing before this large crowd at an event of this size gave him a feeling of pride and enjoyment, thanking all those in charge of the festival, partners of success, and supporters, who contributed to the success of this cultural event.

Mahdi Al-Ahmad

He added that he aspires to develop his skills in elocution, presentation, and public speaking, and to represent his country and community well in local and international forums, asking God for success in serving his religion, country, and people.

The child Buthaina Al-Shafei expressed her happiness with what she saw of the festival's activities, affirming that the puppet play was beautiful, and that she enjoyed all its segments.

Buthaina Al-Shafei

She said: "Everything we saw was beautiful, and we enjoyed the shows very much," expressing her wish to attend the festival's activities again in the coming days.