The beginning of theatre in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Saudi Arabia’s oil potential has attracted attention from international governments since 1973. However, aside from discussions of this aspect of the Saudi economy, there is little information readily available in the international arena regarding its other potentialities, such as its people, society and cultural heritage. Theatre in Saudi Arabia dates to the 1930s, when not only Saudi Arabia but also most of its Arabic neighbours encountered the art form. At present, there are few resources and studies describing Saudi theatre, which limits knowledge and understanding about the dramatic arts in the country. This article, therefore, represents an effort to bridge the gap between Saudi theatre and the international theatrical community, by allowing unique access to this context. To achieve this, the article focuses on the beginnings of Saudi theatre, exploring its origins, the manner in which it began, and the conditions surrounding its emergence.