Kuwait’s cultural scene documents Iraqi invasion

KUWAIT: Art and cultural production have always been essential in the human journey on earth, in which existence and experience of what one goes through for generations is immortalized. It is no different when Kuwait went through an invasion in 1990 carried out by a neighbor that left its effects on social and political areas. Several Kuwaiti artists and writers who chronicled the artistic nightmare stressed in separate interviews the importance of this human activity in history so that generations can learn lessons.

Abdulaziz Al-Mussallam, the artist and author, composed and presented the first theatrical performance immediately after the liberation in 1991, said that it is vital to instill loyalty and belonging to the land because it will push inhabitants to the fateful defense of their land. He referred to the efforts in how to manage the crisis and war, the heroism of the Kuwaiti resistance, the altruism of people in the Arab Gulf, the leadership and people who opened their homes to Kuwaitis. Musallam added that the numerous theatrical works that are still shown on media channels because of the professionalism of the writers and artists who work on them carried many human values that stood out during the war, including the values of loyalty and sacrifice. He pointed out the play, Free Kuwait, shown in April 1991 at Dasma Theater, had several messages, the most important of which was the call to return to construction and look to the future, in addition to a message of gratitude to the world for their role in restoring one’s homeland. He stated that the play, Desert Storm, shown between 1991-92, documented the heroism of the people of Kuwait and its residents in confronting the invaders.

Meanwhile, Head of the Artists and Media Syndicate Dr Nabil Al-Failakawi confirmed that the Iraqi invasion formed a national epic, followed by an abundance of artistic and literary works. The plays in particular dealt with the subject in a comic and sarcastic manner for several reasons, perhaps the most important of which are venting about the Kuwaiti people, as well as the comedy’s ability to convey messages and meanings in an enjoyable way, he added. Despite the horribleness of wars, they usually inspire the greatest works that survived history, he explained, pointing out that there are many cinematic works about historical wars, so these works serve as a window for the generations that did not witness that event in seeing it and learning about human suffering and heroism. —KUNA