Qemam International Festival Celebrates Mountain Performance Arts

Held in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, famous for its picturesque mountain range, the third edition of the Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts showcased a wide range of both local and international presentations from around 45 troupes.

Organised by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission to promote international cultural exchange and celebrate the rich legacy of mountain performing arts, the festival featured several performance platforms, exhibitions, artisan shops, live cooking activities, child-friendly events, and specialised seminars about the performing arts sector, which were conducted by local and international guests.

The Chinese group demonstrated a traditional Yao dance, ‘Long Drum’, hailing from the Han dynasty, whereas the Japanese crew contributed to the festival with three different arts, including Kokiriko Bushi and Genroku Hanami Odori.

The Sudanese participants introduced attendees to the ancient art of Ardah, while the Lebanese and Jordanian companies offered different renditions of the ‘Dabke’.

The Saudi Arabian ensembles, which amounted to over 20, came from as far as Aseer and Taif, highlighting local customs, folklore and traditions. These local representations included ‘Al-Le’ab Al-Shehri’, which combines poetry and music, as well as the rhythm-reliant ‘Msahabani’.