Abha hosts a pioneering Saudi theatrical production

The city of Abha, the jewel of southern Saudi Arabia, is preparing for a special cultural evening as its theater opens its doors to host the prestigious play "I Want to Speak." Presented by the Taif Theater Troupe, this production is part of the second local theater tour organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association, an initiative aimed at enriching the cultural landscape across the Kingdom and presenting high-quality artistic works to local audiences.

Background on the Saudi theatrical movement and Vision 2030

The theater sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing a remarkable renaissance, aligned with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, which places culture and the arts at the heart of its development plans to improve quality of life and build a vibrant society. The Saudi Association for Theater and Performing Arts, established under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, plays a pivotal role in this renaissance by organizing events and supporting emerging talent. One of its most prominent initiatives is the "Local Theater Tour," which works to decentralize cultural activity from major cities and bring outstanding theatrical productions to a wider audience in cities like Abha, ensuring access to high-quality art for all segments of society and fostering cultural exchange between regions.

The play "I Want to Speak": A creative work crowned with awards

The play "I Want to Speak" is considered one of the most prominent works of young Saudi theater. Written by playwright Fahd Radah Al-Harthi and directed by the talented Abdulrahman Al-Maliki, its selection for this tour is not arbitrary but rather a culmination of its artistic and critical success. It won the "Best Overall Performance" award at the Amateur Festival, reflecting its high quality in terms of script, direction, and acting. While the details of the story remain confined to the stage, its intriguing title, "I Want to Speak," hints at a dramatic treatment of profound human and social issues related to the importance of self-expression, dialogue, and breaking the barriers of silence—themes that resonate widely with contemporary audiences.

The event's impact on the cultural scene in Abha

The performances are scheduled to take place at the Abha Literary Society Theater on Thursday and Friday, January 29th and 30th, organized by the Abha Culture and Arts Association. The event extends beyond the theatrical performance itself, encompassing a rich accompanying cultural program that will enhance the audience's experience. This program includes diverse activities showcasing local handicrafts and traditional performing arts, as well as specialized training workshops. This integration of theater and other arts creates a comprehensive cultural experience, supports local artists and craftspeople, and provides a platform for exchanging expertise, thus contributing to strengthening Abha's position as a leading cultural and tourist destination in the southern region. This event represents a valuable opportunity for residents and visitors of the city to enjoy a high-caliber Saudi theatrical production and participate in an artistic movement that reflects the Kingdom's ongoing development.

Egyptian star Nelly Karim is preparing to make a strong comeback to the drama scene with her new series “Ala Ad El Hob” (As Much as Love), which has already begun filming to be ready to compete in the Ramadan 2026 drama season. This work confirms her continued presence as one of the most prominent stars of the Ramadan race, as she presents the character of “Maryam”, which is expected to add a new dimension to her illustrious artistic career.

Background and context of Ramadan drama

The Ramadan drama season is the most prominent artistic event in the Arab world, where major production companies and the brightest stars compete to present works that attract viewers. Nelly Karim has always been a formidable force in this competition, renowned for her complex roles that delve into sensitive social issues with depth and boldness, as she did in previous series such as "Women's Prison," "Under Control," and "100 Faces," which achieved widespread popular and critical success. Her return with a new project always sparks the curiosity of the audience, who eagerly anticipate the story she will present this time.

Personal details of "Maryam" and her private world

In the series "Ala Ad El Hob" (As Much as Love), Nelly Karim portrays Maryam, a talented jewelry designer. This choice of character opens the door to a visually rich world of aesthetic and artistic detail. Filming is currently taking place in a specially designed art gallery in Cairo's Garden City district, lending the production an air of sophistication and elegance. Through the protagonist's profession, the series is expected to explore complex human stories, where each piece of jewelry may symbolize a tale or relationship, blending the romantic and socially relevant themes characteristic of Nelly Karim's work.

A well-rounded team and anticipated impact

The 30-episode series boasts a stellar cast alongside Nelly Karim, including Sherif Salama, Ahmed Saeed Abdel Ghani, Ahmed Magdy, Maha Nassar, and Mahmoud El Lithy, promising a strong performance. Written by Mustafa Gamal Hashem and directed by Khaled Saeed, this series represents a significant investment in romantic social drama and is expected to resonate widely both locally and across the Arab world, given Nelly Karim's popularity and her ability to select scripts that reflect viewers' realities and spark important social discussions.

Ongoing artistic activity

While preparing for the series, Nelly Karim continues her film career, currently starring in the movie "Gawaza Wala Ganaza" (Marriage or Funeral), alongside Sherif Salama, Laila Elwi, and Adel Karam. This busy schedule underscores her status as a multi-talented artist, capable of seamlessly transitioning between television and film, and delivering diverse roles that keep her audience engaged.