Saudi Arabia: Diriyah Storytelling Festival revives intellectual legacy
Since opening on Nov. 16, the Diriyah
Storytelling Festival has transformed Al-Bujairi District
into a vibrant centre of cultural exchange — “a place where storytelling blends
with setting,” according to organizers.
Long known as a gathering place for scholars and poets,
Al-Bujairi has found a natural continuation of its intellectual legacy through
the festival, which has drawn readers, authors and visitors eager to immerse
themselves in the art of narrative.
This year’s theme, “Where Stories Live On,” has
shaped a rich program of talks examining how writers draw on history to
illuminate hidden meanings and lived experiences. Discussions exploring
identity, memory and truth through a contemporary lens have offered fresh
perspectives on the role of storytelling in understanding the past.
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Local and international storytellers have delved into the
challenge of bringing historical figures into the present while balancing
creative freedom with narrative authenticity. Workshops and interactive
sessions have introduced audiences to descriptive and visual storytelling
techniques, showcasing how imagery, rhythm and text work together to evoke
deeper meaning.
A major highlight is The Storyteller’s Forum, where visitors
can explore exhibits across a wide range of literature. Majlis Ar-Rawi offers
narratives inspired by Saudi memory, reflecting the values that have shaped
Diriyah’s identity through the centuries.
Festival goers have also taken part in The Tell Us a Story
experience, recording personal memories, while features such as Who Is the
Storyteller? and Diriyah Between the Lines offer inventive ways to engage with
narrative forms beyond the traditional page.
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Running daily from 5 p.m. until Nov. 29, the festival will
host more than 40 workshops, sessions and panels in both Arabic and English,
alongside around 20 talks featuring over 30 storytellers.
The Diriyah Storytelling Festival is part of Diriyah Season
25/26, held under the theme “Your Pride, Your Place.” The season features a
wide array of interactive experiences, performances and art exhibitions
designed to highlight Diriyah’s cultural and economic heritage.
Organizers describe the festival as “an open invitation to
connect with Saudi Arabia’s celebrated past and discover the beauty of its
present within an atmosphere rich in authenticity and tradition.”
Source: Arab News
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