RIYADH: The Taif theater group won two awards when it participated recently in the ninth edition of a theatrical festival in Bahrain.

The group, which represented the Kingdom in the theatrical festival, mounted a play production titled “Out of Control” which was written by Fahd Al-Harthy and directed by Sami Al-Zahrani.

The theatrical group romped off with an excellence award as the best collective team. Al-Harthy, the author of the play, also won an excellence award.

The audience which applauded the Saudi theatrical group at the Cultural Hall Theater included theater patrons and art enthusiasts who expressed admiration for the Saudi play and cast.

The group, which has received a number of local and international awards, also performs on various occasions like weddings in the Kingdom and other GCC countries.

The group members include Mamdouh Al-Ghasmari, Abdulrahman Al-Malki, and Badr Al-Ghamdi. The technical team includes Mohammed Al-Osaimi, Muhannad Al-Harthy and Adnan Al-Khamic.

“It’s not surprising that the group won. Taif has been known over the years for theatrical performances that showcase local acting talents,” an art patron and enthusiast in the Saudi capital said.

He added that if given the necessary support, motivation and incentive, the theatrical group could also win not only in the Gulf but also in other countries as well.

“If properly motivated the Taif theatrical group could compete overseas and win against counterparts in other countries and bring honors to the Kingdom — like any other Saudi group,” he said.

He noted that a group of 15 Saudi students from different schools in the Kingdom placed first in a math competition in the United States recently.