From Comedy to Mystery: The Plays That Defined Riyadh Season
By Malak Khaled
The Riyadh Season has once again captured global attention, drawing an impressive 6 million visitors from all corners of the world. Running from October 12, 2024, until the end of February 2025, this year’s edition promises an unforgettable experience with a diverse lineup of artistic, sports, and entertainment events.
A collection of plays is also shown in this Riyadh season, bringing celebrities we know and love, like Menna Shalaby and Karim Abd El Aziz, straight to the stage. The plays’ plotlines are captivating and the humor is reminiscent of classic plays.
Al-Basha
The comedy play Al-Basha, starring the renowned stars Karim Abdel Aziz and Hana El-Zahid, will light up the Bakr Al-Shadi stage from December 25 to January 1. The story follows “Abu El Maati El Pasha” and his humble family, who live in a single room on the rooftop of an old building.
Their lives take a dramatic turn when they move into the villa of the wealthy billionaire, where they are introduced to a world of luxury, sparking both comedic and heartfelt moments.
The production features a stellar cast, including Wizo, Hedy Karam, Hatem Salah, and the talented child actor Jean Ramez. Al-Basha promises a blend of humor, musical performances, and engaging storytelling, making it a must-watch for this Riyadh season.
Hawreny ya Kiki
The play Hawerini Ya Kiki brought laughter and excitement to Mohammed Al-Ali Theater from December 4 to 8, starring Dina Elsherbiny alongside Ous Ous, Rania Youssef, and Hala Sedky.
Directed by Batoul Arafa and written by Hani Al-Tambari, the comedic production follows three friends competing for the affection of a new girl each year, using romance, money, and chivalry.
This year, their rivalry escalates when the hotel owner joins the mischief, leaving the girl torn between them.
With its witty dialogue and engaging performances, the play was a resounding success, filling the theater with laughter and applause each night. Audiences praised the sharp humor and dynamic chemistry between the cast.
Shams W Qamar
The play Shams and Qamar dazzled audiences at Bakr El-Shadi Theater from November 29 to December 2, starring Menna Shalaby, Bayoumi Fouad, Mahmoud Al-Laithi, and Mohamed Abdel-Azim.
The story follows Qamar, an ordinary girl whose resemblance to a famous actress thrusts her into a world of chaos and self-discovery when the real star is kidnapped. The production was brought to life by producer Hamada Ismail.
A resounding success, Shams and Qamar trended on X after selling out every performance. Even celebrities like Shereen Reda and Dina Elsherbeeny were spotted appreciating the show.
Audiences praised the gripping storyline, heartfelt performances, and the play’s exploration of identity and confrontation. The production solidified its place as one of the season’s most remarkable theatrical hits.
Mishira Al Khatira
The new play Mishira Al Khatira brings a comedic and musical twist to the stage, starring Laila Elwi, Bayoumi Fouad, and Marwa Abdel Moneim.
The play is running from December 18 to December 22, 2024, at Mohammed Alali Theater, the play follows the story of Mushira, a professional antiquities thief, who is released from prison and decides to go after a pharaonic statue she buried years ago.
However, her plan hits a bump in the road when she discovers the land is now a high school, forcing her to go undercover as a history teacher.
The audience can expect a fresh and entertaining performance, with Laila Elwi stepping into a completely new role that strays from her usual glamorous characters.
Mishira Al Khatira promises a mix of humor, music, and intrigue as Mushira’s secret mission collides with her new life, creating chaos and laughter on stage.
Alf Tete and Tete
The play Alf Tete and Tete brings a magical tale to the stage, starring Akram Hosny, Mirna Gamil, and Bayoumi Fouad. The play took to the stage from November 21 to 25 at Mohamed Al Ali Theater.
The story follows a circus magician who proposes to a girl living with her family on a remote island, only to realize the island is home to real magicians. After their marriage, a mysterious spell traps everyone, forcing the magician to embark on a thrilling adventure to break the curse.
With its mix of comedy, mystery, and magic, Alf Tete and Tete delivered a captivating theatrical experience. The humorous cast, the engaging plot, and the magical intrigue were all the reasons behind its immense success.
As the curtain falls on each performance, the Riyadh Season continues to showcase the transformative power of theater, captivating millions of attendees with its world-class productions.
With news that actors like Ahmed Ezz and Ahmed Helmy are rehearsing for their own plays for the next Riyadh Season and with many successful seasons to boast of, we can’t wait for what’s to come.
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