Kuwait’s recently renovated Dasma Theater reopened with a 50-minute documentary honoring the late Gulf drama icon Hayat Al-Fahd, marking the venue’s first public event following a modernization project executed through a public-private partnership.
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters hosted the tribute to the late artist, bringing together prominent figures of Kuwaiti and regional drama to mark both the theatrical reopening and the legacy of a career spanning more than six decades.
The Premiere of The Story of Hayat at Dasma Theater
The 50-minute work blends archival video clips and personal testimonies from artists who shared the creative journey with Al-Fahd.
Organizers installed a small museum-like exhibition in the theater foyer, featuring period photographs and personal belongings that traced the actress’s decades of work. The screening opened the newly upgraded venue, fulfilling what colleagues noted was a long-held wish of Al-Fahd to see the historic cultural landmark restored to active use before her passing.
The event drew a select group of media figures, intellectuals, and artists, alongside members of the late actress’s family, including her daughter Susan. Following the screening, a press symposium examined the documentary’s documentation of human and artistic themes, featuring commentary from veteran artists Abdul Rahman Al-Aql and Jassim Al-Nabhan.
Refurbishment of the Historic Kuwaiti Stage
The reopening followed a rapid 90-day modernization effort that updated the theater’s internal facilities and technical infrastructure to meet modern standards. The project represents a milestone for cultural administration in Kuwait as the first government facility successfully tendered to private-sector investment.
Officials emphasized that pairing the venue's return with a tribute to a foundational artist underscored institutional commitment to preserving national heritage while upgrading infrastructure.
Testimonies From Pioneers of Gulf Drama
The documentary features reflections from peers and critics who helped build the foundation of Kuwaiti television and theater. Longtime colleague and close friend Suad Abdullah recalled their early days entering the profession together, noting that their generation focused on creative output rather than rivalry while building the medium.
Actor Saad Al-Faraj described the late actress as an exceptional talent. Other contemporaries, including Mohammed Al-Mansour, Jassim Al-Nabhan, Mohammed Jaber, and Abdul Rahman Al-Aql, discussed the solidarity among pioneer artists who navigated early social and financial hurdles to establish modern Gulf drama.
Continued Recognition Across Kuwaiti Festivals
The memorial events extended beyond the theater’s reopening as the Back Stage Group Theater Festival dedicated its third annual edition to honoring Al-Fahd’s sustained contributions. Khaled Al-Rashed, president of the Kuwaiti Union for Artistic and Theatrical Production, accepted the posthumous award on behalf of the family during festival proceedings held in honor of veteran actor Jassim Al-Nabhan.
