JEDDAH, 9 June 2007 — The drama group at the Saudi Society of Arts and Culture in Jeddah has announced its third annual scriptwriting competition. The three winning scriptwriters will be awarded cash prizes (2,000, 1,500 and 1,000 riyals accordingly) and their works will be included in the drama group’s 2009 schedule.
The competition is open for all nationalities from all over the world but scripts must be written in Arabic.
Ali Daaboush, the newly appointed manager of the drama group, said that the themes of the scripts must address social issues affecting the Arab world, or be works for children. The submissions must be recent and original.
“Applicants must keep in mind that the drama group has the right to make any necessary changes on the winning scripts,” said Daaboush.
Changes to scripts might include making them appropriate for Saudi Arabia, such as removing the need for women on stage.
“Sometimes we receive splendid works, but unfortunately they revolve around non-Islamic themes that cannot be performed on a local stage,” said the head of the society in Jeddah Abdullah Bahattab.
There are no colleges in Saudi Arabia that teach drama. By having such competitions dramatists hope to make the best of the situation by nurturing the scriptwriting craft.
Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 6. Entries should be sent to: P.O Box 941, Jeddah 21421, or E-mail: [email protected].
