As Saudi Arabia celebrates Eid Al-Fitr, the spotlight shines not only on traditional sweets, gatherings, and customs — but also on theater, which has emerged as a powerful medium of joy, storytelling, and cultural pride.
This festive season, theater venues across the Kingdom have transformed into spaces where families come together, laughter fills the air, and Saudi heritage is brought to life on stage.
Saudi playwright and poet Raghad Abdulrahman, a member of Kaif Theater, sees theater as a vital platform to showcase the country’s values and narratives.
“We have a rich cultural history that deserves to be translated and brought to life on stage,” she said. “As Peter Brook said, theater is a bridge between cultures — and ours has a lot to share.”
Eid and theater have long been intertwined in the Gulf. For decades, stage performances have marked Eid — comedies, musicals, and dramas that echo the festive spirit.
This year, major productions include “Al-Shanta” by Nasser Al-Qasabi and “Maskoon Layla” by Hassan Al-Balam, both scheduled in Riyadh on the third day of Eid.
Meanwhile, Kaif Theater has drawn packed audiences with shows like “Haya Khallik” and “Majlis Al-Shoqaq.”
“To me, theater feels like the family member who returns home for Eid, bringing joy and stories,” Raghad said.
“It welcomes everyone with open arms, offering a space for shared wonder and laughter.”
She beautifully described the atmosphere: the immediacy of live performance, the unfiltered audience reactions, and the delight of seeing art unfold in real time.
“You can hear the laughter around you, see children dressed for the holiday, and feel the unity of the moment. The stage becomes a celebration in itself.”
