About Ithra

Ithra welcomes you to a new adventure and new experiences that fuel your creativity, inspiration and…

Explore About Ithra

Ithra short play contest

The Ithra Short Play Contest is a national festival presenting new original theater scripts since 2021. We provide audiences with exciting and contemporary works that challenge and entertain. Ithra’s mission is to build a theater community in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia which produces high quality drama on the international level.

Since its inaugural season, the contest has had a huge impact on the Saudi theater scene through developing new, original work with emerging artists and providing a platform for many participants to launch full-time professional careers.

Our Goals

For Artists

support and develop the craft of acting, directing, writing and design. We create a supportive and professional work space with high levels of administrative and technical support.

To Showcase

short-form theater. To create a platform for artists' telling stories. We provide the space for theater practitioners to showcase their performance skills to new audiences and industry professionals.

For Audiences

to stimulate and entertain audiences with short plays. We believe short form theater can move audiences as effectively as long form.

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What You’ll Gain?

Participants will receive:

Guidance by experts
Training & Mentorship by industry leading professionals in variety of theater related subjects.
Technical & Design Support for sets, costumes, lighting, sound
Networking with industry professionals and experts
Exposure to Local & International Professionals and opportunity to showcase your talent in front of industry leading figures Rehearsal Space & Facilities In a premier world-class venue Contest Program & promotional material

Participant Information

In collaboration with

Testimonials

Abdulilah Al-Sanani

“I was honored to attend the opening of the #Ithra_Short_Plays_Contest and to meet the wonderful organizers and my fellow theater artists. Thank you for the tremendous effort, and I wish you a successful and ongoing festival. #Ithra”

Sami Al-Jamaan

“A moment of reflection… the joy and excitement of Saudi theater youth at the #Ithra Short Plays Contest.”

Abbas Al-Haik

“Theater is a collective art form, and to me, the most beautiful performances are those that rely on ensemble acting rather than individual stardom. This was perfectly achieved in the play ‘The Story May Be Long’ prepared by its director, Youssef Al-Harbi, based on Saad allah Wannous’s text ‘The Elephant, O King of Time.’ It was staged as part of the #Ithra_Short_Plays_Contest. From his clever adaptation and consciously condensed script, to his meticulous design of every detail of the performance—built on ensemble acting and the creation of dynamic stage formations that harmonized with carefully crafted lighting—Youssef Al-Harbi succeeded in delivering a show that reflected his academic expertise and his ability to direct both his production and his actors, who captivated the audience with wonder.”