Saif al-Arab (play)
| Saif al-Arab | |
|---|---|
 Film poster of Saif al-Arab | |
| Original title | سيف العرب |
| Directed by | Ruqayah al-Koot |
| Written by | Hayat Al-Fahad |
| Starring | Abdulhussain Abdulredha |
Release date |
|
Running time | 240 minutes |
| Country | Kuwait |
| Language | Arabic |
Saif al-Arab (Arabic: سيف العرب, romanized: sayf-ul-ʿarab, lit. 'Sword of the Arabs'), is a Kuwaiti political satire play made to entertain the citizens of Kuwait during the Gulf War.[1][2] The play's success inspired several other plays about occupation, liberation, and social changes.[3] It was originally performed at the Dasma Theater in 1992.[4] It is played every Eid al-Fitr in Kuwait.[5]
Plot
The plot of the play was to show the life of the average Kuwaiti citizen during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and what it was like to live in Kuwait during Saddam Hussein's occupation of the country.
Production
Directed by Ruqayah al-Koot, and written by Abdulhussain Abdulredha from an idea by Hayat Al Fahad,[3] it is a 4-hour play starring Abdulhussain Abdulredha as Saddam Hussein.
Reception
In 2018, Gulf News described the play's depiction of Saddam Hussein as "searing".[6] In 2024, Fatima Al-Yousef, writing for Al Ra'i, described the film as a "significant turning point in the history of Kuwaiti theater".[3] In 2025, Tariq Al-Khadri of Al Qabas described the film as "not just a satirical comedy show, but an artistic weapon to confront tyranny".[7]
Assassination attempts
An assassination attempt was made by Saddam Hussein against Abdulredha for his depiction of Hussein in the play, however it was unsuccessful.[6][7]
Legacy
In July 2025, a new version of the play was announced to be played at the Sharq Association theatre for the 33rd anniversary of the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait,[2][7] however it was cancelled a few days later and replaced with Bye Bye London by request of the Minister of Information out of concern for the "greater good and the geopolitical situation".[8]
See also
References
- ↑ Al-nahari, Issa (2 August 2019). "المسرح الكويتي... عاصفة أخرى تستنكر الغزو العراقي" [Kuwaiti theater... another storm denouncing the Iraqi invasion] (in Arabic). Independent Arabia. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- 1 2 Mahmoud, Alaa (1 July 2025). "المسرحية الخالدة تتجدد بروح العصر وبوجوه شابة علىخشبة شرق» سيف » تعود إلى الحياة ... بعد 33 عاماً Arabic" [The timeless play is renewed with the spirit of the times and with young faces on "Sharq Stage" "The Sword of the Arabs" returns to life... after 33 years] (in Arabic). Al Rai. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 Al-Yousef, Fatima (2 August 2024). "الحروب تغذّي الذاكرة الفنية والأخيرة تؤرخ هذه المعارك«سيف العرب» نقطة تحول مهمة في مسيرة المسرح الكويتي" [Wars nourish artistic memory, and the latter chronicles these battles. "The Sword of the Arabs" is a significant turning point in the history of Kuwaiti theater.] (in Arabic). Al Ra'i. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- ↑ "قدّم المسرحية في الذكرى الـ35 للغزو العراقي الغاشم تحت إشراف د.بشار عبدالحسينإعادة صنع «سيف العرب على خشبة «جمعية شرق" [The play is presented on the 35th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion, under the supervision of Dr. Bashar Abdul-Hussein. Re-creation of "The Sword of the Arabs" on the stage of "Sharq Association"] (in Arabic). Al-Anba. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- ↑ "مسرحية (سيف العرب) تثير الكويتيين!" [The play (Sword of the Arabs) excites Kuwaitis!] (in Arabic). Khaberni. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Kuwaiti actor Abdul Hussain Abdul Redha passes away in London". Gulf News. 15 September 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 Al-Khadri, Tariq (3 July 2025). "«سيف العرب».. ليس كل ما يُعاد يُحيا" ["The Sword of the Arabs"... Not everything that is restored is brought back to life.] (in Arabic). Al Qabas. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- ↑ "Kuwait: The play "Saif Al Arab" has been cancelled and replaced with "Bye Bye London"". El Watan News. 9 July 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2026.