Kuwaiti society bases much of its culture on the country's ancient
folklore, which is replete with land and sea tales, riddles and
proverbs. In 1956, the Folklore Preservation Centre was established
to collect, record, and classify Kuwaiti folklore. Songs based
on these tales are sung on public and private occasions.
Theatre
Kuwaiti drama troupes have won numerous prizes and awards all
over the world, and several theatrical companies exist throughout
the country. Some examples of these are the Gulf Theatre, the
Popular Theatre, and the Kuwaiti Theatre. In 1973, the Ministry
of Information established the Higher Institute for Theatrical
Arts to prepare future artists in the field of theatrical arts
and ethics, and to promote widespread theatrical awareness and
appreciation.
Music
The music of Kuwait is a reflection of its diverse heritage. Kuwaiti
traders brought back music from East Africa and India. Traders
from foreign shores left their music behind too. The result is
the rich and vibrant sound of Kuwaiti music.
A traditional musical instrument of the Bedouin is the single-string
'Rubabah', made of parchment wrapped round a wooden frame. Other
popular instruments are the 'Oud' (a lute), 'Al-mirwas' (small
drums), 'Al-habban' (a bagpipe) and 'Al-tanbarah' (a string instrument).
Songs are an integral part of dances that are performed at weddings
and other celebrations.
Dance
Traditional dance is an important part of feasts and celebrations.
The Ardah dance is performed by men at feasts and weddings.
Dancers carry swords while dancing to the rhythm of folk music
played on drums and tambourines. The Samiri , Fraisah, Al
Zifan, Khamari, and Tanboura are dances that are performed
by women at family and social gatherings.
Films
The first film shot in, and about, Kuwait was a documentary called
Sons of Sinbad' in 1930. Till the mid-1960s, most films were made
by foreigners. The entry of Kuwaitis in the fields of production,
direction as well as technical areas, was a turning point. Today,
video production, television and advertising are popular avenues
for young Kuwaitis.
A major breakthrough was achieved when Kuwait's very first feature
film, Bas Ya Bahar made in 1972, won nine international film festival
awards!
