ShareBy Essa Haitham
Shakespearean plays are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in Kuwait. Many of the plays performed are timeless classics, including significant works such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Hamlet and most recently, Macbeth. This latest production of Macbeth was brought to life by Alison Shan Price MBE and Kuwaiti director Hamad Al-Jenaie, and even included the esteemed actress Dame Judi Dench.
All these iconic plays were performed by talented local actors. The One World Actors Centre, associated with Act Media Kuwait, was established in 2022 by Jenaie to promote Shakespearean theatre in the country. One of the most groundbreaking performances was delivered by Yousef Al-Nasser in Hamlet, where his delivery of the famous line “To be or not to be” went viral across Kuwait.
Dr Shahd Al-Shammri, Associate Professor of Literature and Creative Writing, who teaches Shakespeare, drama and poetry, stated: “Kuwaiti director Hamad Al-Jenaie is the leading expert today on adapting William Shakespeare’s plays. It is necessary to keep adapting Shakespeare, making his plays contemporary, and moving beyond Western understandings.”
She further added: “In Kuwait, there is still so much to be learned from reading or watching Shakespearean plays. The themes are always universal; we all experience love, betrayal, friendship and other human emotions that change throughout our lives. I urge everyone to watch or read a Shakespearean play. I would start with Macbeth, Hamlet or Othello. Most people love Romeo and Juliet for its love story, but there’s more to Shakespeare than that.”
Ahmed Abdullah, an avid fan of Shakespearean plays, expressed his appreciation for the growing number of performances in Kuwait. However, he also shared that more Shakespearean plays need to be staged. He noted that he had attended productions of Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth performed in Arabic by LOYAC students in Kuwait, and found them captivating. He believes more such performances could spark a love for Shakespeare’s originals.
Shaimaa Ahmed, a crew member for one of the Shakespearean plays, shared her journey, saying, “I am majoring in English literature, with a particular interest in theatre — a crucial element in literary studies, especially Shakespeare’s works. To immerse myself in theatre, I decided to participate in Hamad Al-Jenaie’s adaptation of Macbeth, titled McBeath. I joined the production as an ensemble member, initially believing this role might not offer the full theatrical experience. However, I quickly realized the value of my position, as it allowed me to attend nearly every rehearsal and observe the intricate process of bringing Shakespeare to life.”
She added: “Although I did not play a major role, this involvement gave me a unique perspective on the dedication and creativity of the actors, which was profoundly inspiring. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in the technical aspects of theatre, such as scene transitions, lighting and sound.”
This production was Shaimaa’s first experience in a large-scale performance. “I felt anxious and shy, but participating in this Shakespeare play proved to be a pivotal moment in my academic and personal journey. It challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and ultimately became an experience I am proud of, enhancing both my understanding of theatre and my appreciation for the art form,” she said.
On April 19, 2024, a full English production of Macbeth took place at the Yarmouk Cultural Center, featuring local actors such as Nader Abdullah as Macbeth, Louise Durnin as Lady Macbeth, and Brian McLaughlin as Banquo. This historic event welcomed over 700 audience members on opening night.
Many attendees claimed that this show sparked a newfound admiration for the original plays of William Shakespeare. In the past, Shakespearean plays were performed in Arabic rather than the original English, but now even British schools in Kuwait have adapted famous plays like Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.
Despite some viewing Macbeth as a “cursed” play due to superstitions, many admire its tragic story about a king who loses his sanity and betrays those closest to him. One standout production that captured the community’s attention was the 2019 staging of Hamlet, starring Yousef Al-Nasser in the lead role. This production was so successful that it inspired many people to read the original play, and it became clear that these famous works of Shakespeare would eventually take center stage in Kuwait.
