By Dr Nermin Youssef Al-Houti
The play Al-Khairan Park is one of the outstanding theatrical productions presented during Eid Al-Adha, and its performances are still ongoing. The play stands out for combining entertainment with a national and historical message, as the author, Ahmed Al-Awadi, was able to present a script that is simple in form yet profound in content, addressing both children and families as one. He, through his musical and theatrical words, revives an important period in Kuwait’s history with a sophisticated artistic and theatrical style.
Evoking the past to reflect on the present and instill it in the future – this is what the play “Al-Khairan Park” achieved when the author made his musical dialogues “Al-Khairan Park” the focal point of the events. For this place is not merely a recreational facility opened in 1987, but rather a symbol of a period of stability, joy and renaissance that Kuwait experienced before the brutal invasion. By returning to that beautiful era, the play succeeded in evoking memories of the past to engage with the present and illuminate the future, affirming that nations are built upon history.
The author is also to be commended for his excellent choice of the character “Al-Arz,” portrayed with creative symbolism by Maggie Ghosn. This choice carries significant national and patriotic significance, as Lebanon was among the first countries to declare its rejection and condemnation of the brutal invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and thus the Lebanese presence in the play serves as a message of loyalty and appreciation for the sincere, brotherly stances that stood by Kuwait in its time of trial.
The performance was distinguished by a directorial vision that presented a painful historical event in a language suitable for new generations. Director Shaman Al-Nassar sought to avoid direct preaching or indoctrination, instead instilling in the children a sense of belonging and loyalty to their homeland and introducing them to important milestones in their country’s history through an engaging artistic, theatrical and musical presentation.
The play’s messages were not limited to children alone but extended to the entire family, as adults found themselves confronted with memories of the beautiful past, prompting them to share these stories with their children so that their offspring could learn about an important part of their nation’s history. The play conveyed many educational and humanitarian messages, the most important of which were “sincere human relationships,” through which individuals and societies can overcome crises, as well as “tolerance and understanding,” without forgetting historical lessons and national values.
The play “Al-Khairan Park” succeeded in being a documentary, political, historical and humanitarian work all at once, a theatrical production woven from outstanding acting, creative direction, and musical dialogues whose lyrics carry many beautiful national, social and educational meanings, affirming that theater is not merely a means of entertainment but a platform for education and a record of national lessons.
