Latest news with #KhalidAlhazani
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Commission for Riyadh City Launches Slava's Snowshow in Riyadh
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has launched the international theatrical production Slava's Snowshow, part of a cultural lineup running through May 24. The show's 13-performance run includes double features on weekends to accommodate rising demand from families and theatergoers. The event supports RCRC's commitment to hosting world-class cultural programming. It is organized under the Quality of Life Program—one of the Vision Realization Programs of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported. 'We are delighted to host Slava's Snowshow in Riyadh as part of our ongoing efforts to bring world-class cultural experiences to the Kingdom,' said Executive Vice President of Riyadh Life Sector at Khalid Alhazani. 'These distinctive shows represent what we strive for at RCRC: creating impactful cultural moments that are truly memorable." The non-verbal show features a mix of imaginary snowstorms, whimsical characters, and dramatic visual effects, offering a poetic experience that transcends language and age. Created by renowned Russian artist Slava Polunin, Slava's Snowshow has drawn more than 12 million viewers in over 30 countries. It has earned more than 25 international awards.
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Slava's Snowshow' delights Riyadh audience
RIYADH: 'Slava's Snowshow' opened in Riyadh on Thursday before an audience of 200 people, mostly families with children, at the Baker Al-Shedi Theater. The event, organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, is part of the commission's efforts to enhance the city's cultural scene in line with Vision 2030's Quality of Life Program. 'Slava's Snowshow runs' from May 15 to 24, presenting 13 performances. Double-show weekends have been added to accommodate increasing demand. The performance featured snowstorm effects, unique characters, and striking visuals in a non-verbal show that appealed to all ages. Created by Russian artist Slava Polunin, 'Slava's Snowshow' has been seen by more than 12 million people in more than 30 countries, from Broadway in New York to the West End in London. Architect Khalid Alhazani, vice president of the Riyadh Life Sector at the RCRC, said: 'We are pleased to bring 'Slava's Snowshow' to Riyadh as part of our commitment to introducing world-class cultural experiences to the Kingdom. Hosting internationally acclaimed performances creates valuable cultural moments for the community. 'This is a significant step toward Riyadh's goal of becoming a vibrant and creative capital, aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030,' he added. Abdulaziz Awlia, a faculty member at the Department of Performing Arts, King Saud University, told Arab News: 'Bringing 'Slava's Snowshow' to Riyadh reflects a growing cultural awareness in Saudi Arabia and highlights the shift in the Kingdom's theatre scene toward international openness. 'The show introduces local audiences to new theatrical forms that go beyond dialogue and traditional storytelling. It uses visual language, movement, and silence to engage the audience emotionally. This is especially effective in a society with a strong oral heritage,' Awlia added. 'Performances like this can encourage Saudi theatre to grow by embracing experimentation and focusing on visual and poetic elements,' Awliya said. 'Slava's Snowshow' has received more than 25 international awards, including the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and a Tony Award nomination on Broadway. The production combines visual performance and physical comedy to take audiences through a theatrical experience rooted in imagination and nostalgia. It appeals to audiences of all ages with its focus on creativity and childlike wonder. Since its debut in 1993, the show has been performed thousands of times in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. The production, which blends visual performance with elements of tragicomedy, has carved out a unique place in contemporary theatre. It has received numerous international honors, with recognition stretching from London and New York to Australia, Mexico, Paris, and Moscow.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
PIF-backed Diriyah awards $1.4bln deal for Royal Diriyah Opera House
Riyadh: Diriyah Company, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced a contract award valued at $1.40 billion (SAR 5.10 billion) to develop Royal Diriyah Opera House, according to a press release. The construction agreement was awarded to a joint venture (JV) comprising El Seif Engineering Contracting Company Limited (ESEC), China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (CSCEC) and Midmac Construction Company Limited. The Royal Diriyah Opera House will include a 450-seat studio theater, a shaded rooftop amphitheater with 450 seats, and multipurpose halls with a capacity of 3,100 seats. The project will anchor Diriyah's position as the Kingdom's cultural epicentre and a globally competitive destination for the arts. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah, said: 'The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a landmark asset in Diriyah reinforcing Diriyah's growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural future, aligned with Vision 2030.' Khalid Alhazani, Executive Vice President of Riyadh Life Sector, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, added: 'We are excited to have the opportunity to welcome the world's leading operatic and artistic talent in the future and ensure that the Royal Diriyah Opera House can incubate and empower the wonderful range of homegrown talent we have in the Kingdom.' Diriyah is an integrated urban development project that is expected to provide homes for nearly 100,000 residents once completed. It will also secure 178,000 jobs, attract almost 50 million annual visits, and contribute around $18.6 billion (SAR 70 billion) directly to Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product (GDP). Last January, Diriyah awarded Omrania a $113.60 million architecture and design contract.
