The first performance of the play “The Philosopher” will be launched on November 17 on the stage of Studio 1 in Boulevard Riyadh City. The play, which will run until November 30, tells the story of the Saudi footballer Yousuf Al-Thunayan, who was the icon of Saudi football in the 80s-90s, in a wonderful theatrical performance depicting the human challenges and sports details that ‘the philosopher’ of football grounds faced and lived during his sports career.
In the theatrical context, “The Philosopher” is the first Saudi play to introduce the concept of Autobiographical Theatre, which is one of the concepts of global theater that is inspired by the lives of famous figures. Footballer Yousuf Al-Thunayan was chosen as the subject of this play because he enjoyed wide popularity in Saudi Arabia, and the number 15 shirt in Al Hilal football club had a special association with his name. Al-Thunayan won 28 championships throughout his career, 3 of which were with the Saudi national team and 25 with his club Al Hilal. He also won many awards, the most important of which was the award for the best Asian player in the Club Championship in 1986.
The play, written by Faisal Al-Amer and directed by Aqil Al-Khamisi, is characterized by audiovisual presentation techniques, as well as a dramatic performance to convey the dramatic details with high professionalism. “The Philosopher” is the 5th play to be shown within the activities of Riyadh Season 2022. The show starts from 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm. Tickets can be bought through the link:
https://ticketmx.riyadhseason.sa/en/d/2392/the-philosopher
During Riyadh Season 2022, Boulevard Riyadh City hosts 25 Arab and international plays, including 7 Saudi plays, most notably “The philosopher” (Youssef Al-Thunayan) and “The Flaming Arrow” (Majid Abdullah). There are also weekly musical events. The zone has several sub-zones, including Music with its loud vibes, Studios for art lovers, the snow city Avalanche, and Trocadero, which offers more than 500 video games.