Awamer is listed on the program as a participant. She, however, claims she has not been invited. “I participated in Janadriya 20, but since then I have been marginalized,” said the poetess, adding that there seems to be a personal issue why she has been sidelined.
She added that despite her fame and appearance on various channels, she has been ignored in previous festivals. “I am not invited to my own heritage event, while female poets from GCC countries are,” she said. Iqbal Al-Arfag, head of the heritage committee, denied the charge, saying that there are 26 Saudi female poets participating in the festival from across the Kingdom, including Awamer, who was included in the program even though she submitted her poetry portfolio late.
“We are also honoring a prominent Saudi poet, Thuraia Qabil, alongside a number of poets from GCC countries who were recommended by their embassies,” said Al-Arfag, adding the committee has rejected no one.
Awamer claims that even if her name is on the program, it has not appeared in newspapers and she has not been informed.
“Janadriya is the home of the talented and all are welcome to participate and we do not reject anyone who desires to participate,” said Al-Arfag.
She said that Prince Moteb bin Abdullah has ordered for the festival to be open to all, adding that even beginners have been given an opportunity to participate “so how can we reject the participation of well known” poets. She also said those who do not have specific scheduled participation times will be allowed to partake.
The misunderstanding, or rather bad management, might end as soon as the festival begins. Awamer said she will be honored to attend and asked Arab News to attend her evening and enjoy her poetry.
