Performing arts on show as Baha festival returns

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is preparing to stage its second Traditional Performing Arts Festival, titled “Tharaa,” in Baha from Sept. 28-30.

The festival aims to revive traditional performing arts across communities, showcase authentic costumes and instruments used in various dances, and offer a taste of popular regional cuisines.

Performing arts that have been preserved across generations in different regions of the Kingdom will be featured, including the Alhujainy song performance on camels, and the Al-Shihri dance, or Bedouin Samra, which became popular in the south.

“Tharaa,” an Arabic term meaning prosperity, will also focus on the historic significance of dances and performances, as well as folktales, songs, riddles, poems, sculptures and chants.

Visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with local traditions, such as Al-Dufuf, a performance using tambourines accompanied by oud scents and ritual presentation of Saudi coffee.

A “Stories of Art” section will highlight the history of the performing arts, traditional costumes and tools used in performance.

In the “Depths of the Arts” activity, visitors will be faced with five doors, each representing a specific region. On entering, they will explore the area’s culture, clothing, artifacts and food in contemporary art form.

A “Field of Creativity” section will include interactive screens and photography stations, as well as live performances from the five regions of the Kingdom showcasing more than 20 styles of performing arts.

The 10-minute shows will run throughout the festival, with four consecutive shows each day featuring the five regional dances and performances.

Visitors will enjoy contemporary and traditional dishes from different regions served in the courtyard and restaurant area with tree and rock-inspired furniture.

The ministry’s first Performing Arts Festival was held last year in Riyadh as part of efforts to help Saudi creators showcase their talents.

The festival aims to boost the cultural heritage of traditional performing arts, and preserve heritage skills for future generations.