RIYADH, 13 November 2007 — Several well-known Saudi actors took part in a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) play here yesterday to raise awareness among the youth about its activities and also raise funds. The play, held at the King Faisal School in the Diplomatic Quarter, brought together students, academics and UNICEF Resident Representative Dr. Ayman Abu Laban.
By staging the play, in which 15 Saudi actors including Faiz Al-Maliki, Mohammed Al-Farhan and Ayman Al-Mudaifer took part, UNICEF was able to promote the sale of its greeting cards and other products among the students. Proceeds from the sales of UNICEF merchandise will be used to support UNICEF projects. The play dealt with a Saudi boy whose perception of UNICEF was nothing more than that of a name associated with the well-known Barcelona football team from Spain.
The reality of what the organization stands for became apparent when he had a dream in which a Saudi actor (Mohammed Al-Farhan) explained what UNICEF was really about.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Dr. Ayman said UNICEF had been working closely with the Saudi government in the joint mission to promote a healthy lifestyle among children, protecting them against infectious diseases, and in running the campaign, “Say No to Drugs.”
In separate interviews with Arab News, both Faiz Al-Maliki and Mohammed Al Farhan said Saudi dramas are focusing on current social issues, such as drug abuse, domestic violence and women’s rights.
Referring to his forthcoming play, “Manahi fi Qahera” (“Manahi in Cairo”), Al-Maliki said its theme was the problems facing Saudi tourists when they travel abroad. It is a Rotana production and shooting will start in a month in both Riyadh and Cairo. Another play with a strong message is “Aswar” (fences), an MBC production, which focuses on restrictions in Saudi society.