KUWAIT: The play “King of the Stage” was restaged at Souq Sharq Theater, telling the story of an artist struggling against marginalization while trying to make his mark in the Kuwaiti art scene. Written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar, the production first premiered during Eid Al-Fitr and received widespread audience acclaim. The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) later included it in the Summer Cultural 17 festival, recognizing its contribution to Kuwaiti theater and its cultural significance.

“As a body dedicated to bringing culture to the public, the Council sees this project both as an inspiration and a responsibility, especially as Kuwait celebrates its role as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025,” Safar told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Friday. He added that the production team is determined to demonstrate that Kuwaiti theater can deliver works of high artistic quality.

Lead actor Khaled Al-Mudhafar said the play addresses themes such as artistic vanity, the impact of social media on cultural and social life, and works that fail to reflect authentic identity, which can influence youth perceptions. Al-Mudhafar portrays Ibrahim Ahsanhom, a comedian who later becomes a carpenter due to age and health challenges, yet is urged to return to the stage. “The play sends a crucial message: the audience is the true king of the theater. Their support or criticism shapes the fate of art and artists,” he said.

Blending comedy with melancholy, the play symbolically depicts an artist who dedicates his life to the stage but remains unacknowledged until his absence is felt. Scenes alternate between nostalgic memories and the harsh realities of life. The performance is part of NCCAL’s Summer Cultural 17 festival, which aims to enrich Kuwait’s cultural scene during the summer and present works that resonate with audiences.

The council emphasizes theater as a cornerstone of artistic creativity in Kuwait, supporting local productions, hosting regional and international works, and cultivating public appreciation for diverse art forms. It also provides platforms, performance opportunities, and training for theater artists of all generations, recognizing their role in enriching Kuwait’s cultural landscape and promoting its civilizational image regionally and internationally. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Embassy of India in Kuwait marked the 79th Independence Day of India on August 15, 2025 with a ceremony attended by over 3,000 members of the Indian community. The official program began at 7:30 am at the Embassy premises, where Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika paid floral tributes at the Shilaphalakam—a plaque honoring Indian martyrs—and at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The ceremony included the hoisting of the Indian national flag and the singing of the national anthem.

During the event, Ambassador Swaika read out the address of India’s President Droupadi Murmu. The President highlighted the country’s achievements over the past 78 years, emphasizing progress across multiple socio-economic sectors. She urged citizens to work toward making India a developed nation by 2047.

Members of the Indian community participate in the celebration.

Ambassador Swaika places flowers at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Ambassador Swaika also conveyed key points from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke from the Red Fort on the occasion. The Prime Minister outlined the government’s recent successes, introduced new initiatives, and emphasized the importance of self-reliance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Swaika described India-Kuwait relations as being at one of their strongest phases in recent times, crediting the successful outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024 and the ongoing support of Kuwaiti leadership. The Ambassador acknowledged the role of community associations and individual members in promoting Indian culture and strengthening bilateral ties at the grassroots level. He reassured attendees that the Embassy continues to serve as a “home away from home” for Indians living in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: A total of 6,250 students have been accepted into bachelor’s and diploma programs under Kuwait’s domestic scholarship plan for the 2025–2026 academic year, the Secretariat of the Private Universities Council announced on Saturday. Dr Nader Al-Jalal, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, approved the admissions for students holding a secondary school certificate or its equivalent, according to Adel Al-Bader, Acting Secretary-General of the Private Universities Council. Last month, the ministry announced that 3,167 students were accepted into the country’s oversees scholarship program.

Al-Bader urged students to visit their assigned universities and colleges according to the official schedules to complete final registration requirements and submit their original secondary school certificates. He stressed the importance of following the internal scholarship regulations to ensure a stable academic environment that supports students’ success and helps them achieve their educational goals. Al-Bader wished the students success in their studies and highlighted their role as future contributors to Kuwait’s development. The full list of admitted students is available on the Private Universities Council’s official website at www.puc.edu.kw.

Kuwait allocates substantial budgets to support scholarship students. Upon being sent abroad, a scholarship student is entitled to an allowance in addition to monthly stipends that account for the cost of living in each country. According to local media, the total cost of scholarships for Kuwaiti students amounted to KD 540 million in 2023, roughly split equally between domestic and overseas programs. — Agencies