The Ithra Short Play Contest has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated cultural events, shining a light on emerging voices in theatre and creating a platform for bold, original storytelling. The 2025 edition, held at Ithra in Dhahran from 11–16 August, brought together a diverse group of playwrights, directors and performers, each eager to experiment, collaborate and share their vision on stage.
At the heart of this year’s contest were ten original plays, performed before packed audiences over six days. Each work reflected the creativity and ambition of Saudi theatre’s new generation, offering stories that blended tradition with innovation and resonated deeply with the Kingdom’s evolving cultural landscape. The winning play, Until Hope Fades, prepared and directed by Salam Al-Sanan, was awarded first place in this year’s contest.
Honouring a Pioneer of Saudi Theatre
The opening ceremony also celebrated Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Alsmaeil, who was honoured for his remarkable contribution to Saudi theatre. With over four decades of experience as an actor, writer, director and cultural leader, Mr. Alsmaeil has played a pivotal role in shaping modern Saudi theatre and inspiring new generations of practitioners.
The British Council’s Mentorship Programme
The 2025 contest was distinguished not only by its performances, but also by the mentorship programme supported by the British Council. Designed to empower Saudi theatre makers, this initiative offered tailored guidance to directors, actors and playwrights, ensuring their creative ideas were transformed into compelling stage productions.
Workshops focused on key aspects of theatre-making: storytelling, playwriting, character development, and performance. Participants benefitted from hands-on sessions with renowned mentors, Alia Alzougbi, Ammar Haj Ahmed, Nada Sabet and Lama Amine, who each brought unique expertise from their experience in international theatre. Their mentorship helped the Saudi mentees refine their scripts, strengthen stage direction, and explore new approaches to performance.
This collaboration reflects the British Council’s long-standing commitment to cultural exchange, using the performing arts as a bridge to share knowledge, nurture creativity and strengthen connections between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
Panels that Sparked Dialogue
Beyond rehearsals and performances, the contest featured panels with experts, mentors and directors, giving audiences and participants a chance to reflect on the wider role of theatre in society.
This discussion highlighted mentorship as a bridge between generations, a way to preserve knowledge, nurture emerging voices and refine both artistic and technical skills. Experts explored formal and informal mentorship models, showing how they sustain theatre as a living, evolving practice in the region.
Another panel examined the transformative role of artists in shaping Saudi theatre’s identity. With the Kingdom in the midst of a cultural renaissance, playwrights, directors, designers and performers are navigating the balance between tradition and modernity. The discussion reflected on how artists influence form, content and audience engagement, while benefiting from new institutional support and public platforms.
Building a Sustainable Theatrical Future
For the Saudi theatre community, the contest demonstrated how global partnerships, like the British Council’s mentorship programme, can create pathways for growth, skill development and international dialogue. By equipping young directors, actors and playwrights with the tools they need, the contest is shaping a new generation ready to carry Saudi theatre forward.
As the curtains closed on this year’s contest, what remained was a sense of momentum, proof that theatre in Saudi Arabia is not only alive, but thriving, enriched by mentorship, collaboration and the voices of its artists.
