Ooredoo Kuwait Leads the Revival of Family Theater Glamour with "Zargoon and the Magic Lamp"

Al Bawaba

10-04-2025

Ooredoo Kuwait, reflecting the nation's rich cultural heritage—recently recognized as the Capital of Arab Culture, Arts, and Media—is setting the stage for an extraordinary artistic resurgence. In celebration of this esteemed designation, Ooredoo Kuwait presented the theatrical production 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' during Eid Al-Fitr on the stage of the Joint Programming Production Foundation of the GCC. This performance underscores the company's unwavering commitment to nurturing the media landscape and revitalizing children's theater with a modern, forward-thinking vision.In line with its corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy — and coinciding with Kuwait's selection as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025 — Ooredoo Kuwait premiered 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp.' The production, presented on a grand stage, underscores the company's vision to rejuvenate family theater as a platform that bridges generations, transmits national values, and preserves the country's artistic heritage by offering unique, purpose-driven content that celebrates Kuwaiti identity.Ooredoo Kuwait's initiative aims to empower local production and spotlight national talent in line with its vision of supporting meaningful cultural and artistic endeavors. The company is convinced that fostering artistic engagement enriches the local cultural scene, strengthens national identity, and creates platforms for the expression of youthful energy — all of which underpin the foundations of a cohesive and sustainable society.In this context, Nouf Al-Mashaan, Senior Director External Affairs and Head of Strategic and Innovative Business Projects at Ooredoo Kuwait, explained: 'In an ongoing effort to support Kuwait's vibrant media landscape and through our innovative projects, we have presented a theatrical work that reflects our vision of integrating cultural content with modern media tools. This initiative aims to revive children's theater in a contemporary spirit, as part of a broader strategy to enable local production, highlight national talent, and deliver creative content that is in line with the digital transformation, embodying the values and identity of our society.'Al-Mashaan further added:'This strategic partnership stems from our belief that telecommunications today are not just a technical utility but an integral part of everyday life, empowering individuals and enhancing their connection with the world. With this initiative, we emphasize the importance of leveraging technology and digital media to create local content that reflects our culture, meets the expectations of the digital generation, and seamlessly blends creativity with technology for an inspiring, holistic experience.'Zainab Al-Shammari, Director, PR & Strategic and Innovative Marketing - Strategic and Innovative Business Projects at Ooredoo Kuwait, also remarked:'At Ooredoo, we believe that arts and culture are fundamental pillars in building a dynamic society. In our telecommunications sector, we strive to convey a purposeful message to everyone. Presenting this work was a wonderful opportunity to revive children's theater in a modern style that inspires both children and adults alike. We are proud to be part of this distinguished cultural event that reflects our commitment to delivering impactful content, reinforcing national values, and encouraging creativity and innovation among future generations.'Al-Shammari explained that Ooredoo's presentation of this production is aligned with the company's goal of empowering individuals and communities through unique, inspiring experiences. It underscores the company's dedication to preserving and advancing Kuwait's artistic legacy in a way that resonates with contemporary trends. The initiative reaffirms Ooredoo's belief in the power of the arts as a means of expression, a driver of positive change in society, and a catalyst for nurturing the creative potential of the next generation.Massive Audience Response Reflects the Community's Passion for Family ArtsCoinciding with the festive atmosphere of Eid Al-Fitr — an occasion that unites families and promotes cultural activities — 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' marked a significant milestone in Kuwait's cultural scene. The performance drew large, diverse audiences from all age groups, reflecting the Kuwaiti public's deep longing for the revival of family theater, especially when presented through a fresh and innovative perspective.This enthusiastic response comes at a time when Kuwait celebrates its designation as the Capital of Culture and Media for 2025, further underlining the production's importance as a positive indicator of the vibrancy of the local cultural movement. It also reinforces Ooredoo's role as a key driver in supporting arts and national initiatives with profound community impact.A Triumphant Artistic Return by Kuwait's Theater LegendsWhat set this production apart was the reunion of a distinguished group of Kuwaiti theater veterans who have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. The production was helmed by the celebrated director Najaf Jamal, a luminary in the history of theatrical production, while renowned actress Haifa Adel delivered a performance that evoked both nostalgia and the cherished, timeless roles that the audience grew up with.Moreover, the return of actor Mohammed Al-Rashid to the role of "Zargoon" after more than three decades was a poignant moment, warmly embraced by the audience, for its deep symbolism and evocative connection to childhood memories. The performance also featured leading figures such as Abdullah Bahman, Lulwa Al-Mulla, Ahmed Al-Najjar, Mohammed Al-Kazemi, and emerging talent Maryam Shuaib, creating a comprehensive production that seamlessly blended the past with the present.A New Adventure with Enduring ValuesThe modern adaptation of 'Zargoon' was not merely a revival of a classic; it was a dramatic evolution that reflected the maturing of its characters and the passage of time. The story unfolds 30 years after the original adventure of Zargoon, where the protagonist embarks on a new quest to rescue his friend Ala'Din's son from the clutches of the Sea Queen. Using his final wish at a critical moment, he reshapes the fate of the characters.While the narrative possesses elements of fantasy, it is woven with heartfelt messages about sacrifice, the importance of decision-making in pivotal moments, friendship, and responsibility — timeless values that continue to resonate with audiences regardless of the era.Widespread Acclaim from Audiences and Critics AlikeThis artistic production has succeeded in captivating a diverse audience, from children to adults — an achievement rare in the realm of theater. Many attendees expressed their amazement at the high production values, family-friendly content, and nostalgic yet innovative musical scores that enhanced the overall experience. The new songs, characterized by vibrant tunes and meticulously crafted arrangements, resonated throughout the venue, serving as both a visual and auditory magnet for the audience.Critics have lauded the delicate balance achieved between classic theatrical spirit and modern visual innovation, praising the performers' synergy on stage. This collective energy has fostered instant interaction with the audience and strengthened the authentic Kuwaiti identity that the production proudly maintains, even amidst a renewed artistic style.World-Class Production Techniques on a Local StageOne of the standout features of 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' was the use of high-caliber production techniques that transformed the performance into a near-cinematic experience. Ooredoo collaborated with an internationally recognized technical team, whose portfolio includes work with industry giants like Marvel and Disney, thereby infusing the local theater production with a level of professionalism previously unseen.The creative duo behind the visual and musical effects — Ahmed Jamal and Badr Al-Mawla, from the firm Invisible-In — seamlessly integrated digital and lighting effects with the actors' movements and the text, delivering an immersive, dream-like experience that underscored the evolution of theater in Kuwait.Executive Producer Mohammed Jamal expressed his personal connection to the production, recalling the theater of his childhood. He emphasized that the attention to technical detail was not merely for spectacle but served to enhance the narrative, creating a fantastical yet believable world that resonates with today's audience without sacrificing the essence of traditional theater.A Cultural Commitment and Social MessageThis theatrical production is not merely an artistic celebration; it is a manifestation of Ooredoo's vision to support the arts as a cornerstone of societal identity. The initiative reflects the company's belief in the role of theater in instilling positive values and fostering national pride. 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' stands as a model for how entertainment and education can be harmoniously blended, merging heritage with innovation.
Through this work, Ooredoo reaffirms its position as a strategic partner in cultural development, firmly believing that investment in the arts is an investment in human and societal consciousness — especially when it is geared toward family audiences and aims to build bridges between generations.