Theatre is the primary outlet for entertainment during the holiday season in Kuwait. This year producers are eager to provide theatrical works that feature stars from popular Ramadan dramas.

One of the most prominent theatrical works that debuted on the first day of Eid al-Fitr is "The Return of Shaizabona", a story taken from the legend of the wicked witch Haizabona. Writer and director Mohamed al-Hamali added local touches to the script to appeal to a Kuwaiti audience.

Actress Ahlam Hassan is in the lead role along with Ahmed Iraj and Buthaina al Raisi in a production that appeals to adults and children.

"We are trying through this script to strengthen the sense of belonging to the nation so it was necessary to use 3D technology in the show to include more dazzling elements in the production," said al-Hamali, the play's director.

He said this is the first time 3D technology was used in Kuwait. Rehearsals began in July, and the show will be presented on a stage that was built to resemble a football stadium.

Another play being offered during Eid is "Ghadir, the Camel Shepherd" starring Hoda Hussein with Khaled Amin and Mohammed Al Alawi. The play was directed by Abdul Aziz Sifr. Drawn from Arab folklore, it is a story about a village inhabited by a group of Bedouins and nomads.

"I am very happy to return to the theatre in a production for children that addresses values and wisdom from authentic Arab heritage," Khaled Amin said about his role, which is his first theatrical venture in three years.

Amin, who plays the guide, said the role is important for its symbolism and its historical importance to the people of the desert. The guide is the one who leads the way by using the stars and the landmarks for tribes that travel in the desert.

Hasan Hosni is the lead in the Kuwaiti-Egyptian horror comedy "The Nightmare" produced by Adel al-Muslim. Al-Muslim, and his brother, actor and producer Abdul Aziz al-Muslim, have annually presented a horror show that is blended with comedy.

Al-Muslim, who is the producer, director and scriptwriter, said, "The cinematic techniques and tricks which offer terrifying scenes in The Nightmare are considered new in Kuwaiti theatre, and we were committed to having them in order to support the script, which presents a true murder story. They also support the beautiful co-operation between the heroes, Hassan al-Ballam, who returns to the stage after a four-year absence, Hassan Hosni, and Abd al-Rahman al-Aql."

The second Kuwaiti-Egyptian collaboration is "Al-Tartanqi", which features Kuwaiti comedy stars Tariq al-Ali and Daoud Hussein. Egyptian actor Alaa Morsi directs and is a lead actor in the play.

The show is expected to be a success as seats were sold out for the first two weeks after Eid as soon as tickets went on sale.