JEDDAH, 18 July 2006 — A local drama group is premiering today its newest experimental production titled “Mercy Bullet,” but if you are a woman interested in theater forget about it.
Despite hopeful signs authorities of King Fahd Coastal City would allow the Saudi Society of Arts and Culture to perform to an audience of men and women, no such permission was granted.
A few months ago, the group was allowed to show a children’s play titled “Serenity Land” under an agreement with a local entertainment center. However, this children’s play was opened up to families only. The audience comprised mostly women and children.
Since the group lacks a performance space of its own, it usually stages productions at the auditorium of King Abdul Aziz University’s male section.
“We had to readjust the modest stage at the city with so many technical equipment to make it ready for the two days performance,” said Abdullah Bahttab, manager of the group.
According to Bahttab, officials at King Fahd Costal City had asked for a written request to allow women to attend the event. But earlier this week the group was denied permission without explanation.
The new play is written by actor Hael Akeel and directed by Othman Fallatah. Amateur actors Ahmad Al-Samman, Hael Akeel, Sajjad Hawsawi, Salem Bahamish and Abdullah Al-Solimani are performing in the original production.
“Mercy Bullet” will be shown at King Fahd Costal City at 9:30 p.m. today and tomorrow. Women are not allowed to attend.
