Riyadh: The internationally acclaimed “Slava’s Snowshow” made its highly anticipated debut in the Saudi capital on Thursday, captivating an audience of over 200, primarily families with children, at the Baker Al-Shedi Theater.
The event, organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, marks another major step in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enrich the cultural life of its citizens in alignment with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program.
Running from May 15 to 24, the show will offer a total of 13 performances, with weekend double-showings added in response to high public interest.
Without the use of spoken dialogue, “Slava’s Snowshow” delivers a universally engaging experience through mesmerizing snowstorm effects, whimsical characters, and powerful visual storytelling, making it accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
Created by renowned Russian performance artist Slava Polunin, the production has toured globally since its debut in 1993, reaching over 12 million spectators across more than 30 countries.
From Broadway to the West End, the show has received critical acclaim for its inventive blend of visual performance and physical comedy, winning numerous international awards including the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and a Tony Award nomination.
Architect Khalid Alhazani, vice president of the Riyadh Life Sector at the RCRC, emphasized the significance of bringing such a globally recognized theatrical experience to Saudi Arabia.
He described the event as part of a broader cultural strategy to position Riyadh as a vibrant and creative capital, where residents and visitors can access high-quality artistic and cultural content.
Hosting performances of this caliber, he noted, contributes to lasting cultural development in the Kingdom.
Experts from Saudi Arabia's academic and artistic community echoed this sentiment.
Abdulaziz Awlia, a faculty member at King Saud University’s Department of Performing Arts, highlighted the cultural importance of staging a show like “Slava’s Snowshow” in Riyadh.
He noted that the production offers local audiences exposure to alternative forms of theater that rely on visual language, movement, and emotion rather than dialogue.
This shift is particularly impactful in a society with a rich oral tradition, and it could serve as inspiration for the future evolution of Saudi theatre.
Since its inception, “Slava’s Snowshow” has stood out for its unique fusion of tragicomedy and poetic imagery, transporting audiences into a dreamlike world that evokes both nostalgia and wonder.
The show’s enduring global success and artistic originality have earned it a place in the contemporary theatre canon, with performances spanning major cultural capitals including London, New York, Paris, Moscow, Mexico City, and Sydney.
By hosting such a theatrical gem, Riyadh continues to demonstrate its growing status as a cultural destination, where creativity, global dialogue, and artistic innovation are becoming part of everyday life for the Kingdom’s evolving society.
