The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission is participating in the Edinburgh International Theater Festival, held in the Scottish capital Edinburgh from August 1 to 5, with the play “Tawq” (The Collar). The aim is to introduce contemporary Saudi theater and promote cultural exchange by engaging with a diverse global audience.
This participation marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence on the international stage, as part of one of the world’s oldest and largest theater festivals. This year, the festival celebrates cultural diversity under the theme “Voices of the World Stage.”
The play “Tawq” is directed by Fahad Al-Dosari and stars Ahmed Al-Thakallah, Fatima Al-Jashi, Maryam Hussein, Abdulaziz Al-Zayani, Khaled Al-Hwaidi, and Shihab Al-Shihab.
Supporting Saudi Theater Productions
This performance is part of the “STAR” program launched by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission to support Saudi theater productions. The initiative aims to stimulate local creativity and enhance the quality of Saudi theatrical works.
“Tawq” previously won the Best Contemporary Performance award at the second edition of the Riyadh Theater Festival in 2024.
It also recently participated in the Avignon Festival in France during its 79th edition, as part of the festival’s celebration of the Arabic language.
The Edinburgh Festival, founded in 1947, is the world’s largest performing arts festival, attracting thousands of artists and creators from different countries annually.
The Commission’s participation in this event reaffirms its commitment to supporting the arts and strengthening its presence on global cultural platforms.
Edinburgh International Theater Festival
The **Edinburgh International Theatre Festival (EITF)**, founded in 1947, is one of the world’s leading performing arts festivals, held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland. Established to revitalize European culture after World War II, it showcases high-quality theatre, opera, and dance from around the globe. Alongside the larger Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it has become a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant arts scene, attracting artists and audiences worldwide.
Tawq (The Collar)
“Tawq (The Collar)” is a historical and cultural site in Saudi Arabia, believed to be an ancient settlement or landmark with significance in regional history. While detailed historical records are limited, it is often associated with early Arabian tribes and trade routes. The name “Tawq” (meaning “collar” in Arabic) may refer to a geographical feature or a symbolic reference to its role as a connecting point in the region.
Riyadh Theater Festival
The Riyadh Theater Festival is an annual cultural event in Saudi Arabia that celebrates performing arts, showcasing local and international theatrical productions. Established to promote theater arts in the region, it reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing emphasis on cultural development as part of Vision 2030. The festival provides a platform for artists to exchange ideas and fosters creativity in the Kingdom’s evolving arts scene.
Avignon Festival
The **Avignon Festival** (Festival d’Avignon) is one of France’s most prestigious performing arts festivals, founded in 1947 by actor and director Jean Vilar. Held annually in July, it transforms the historic city of Avignon—particularly its iconic Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace)—into a vibrant hub of theater, dance, and music. The festival is renowned for its innovative programming and has played a key role in democratizing access to the arts.
Edinburgh Festival
The **Edinburgh Festival** refers to a collection of world-renowned arts and cultural festivals held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, during August. The most famous is the **Edinburgh Festival Fringe**, which began in 1947 as an alternative to the official Edinburgh International Festival and has since grown into the largest arts festival in the world. These festivals celebrate theater, comedy, music, dance, and more, attracting millions of visitors and performers from around the globe.
