JEDDAH — “Khawater Aldalam” (Thoughts of darkness) — entered, performed, conquered the hearts of the judges and millions of viewers only to the win the coveted title — Arabs' Got Talent. They were also the proud owners of a Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and SR500,000. Those who watched Arabs' Got Talent 2012 aired on MBC4 early this year must be familiar with “Khawater Aldalam,” a group of young Saudis aged between six and 20, who took over the stage by storm with their talent. With no real training in theater or acting, the group portrayed stories incorporated with stunts and dance sequences against a pitch-black backdrop with ultraviolet props and costumes. “I initiated this idea three years back without having any idea of the future or success. We did not have all the necessary equipments but we still managed to perform brilliantly and won,” said Mamdoh Kudiry, the director and founder of Khawater Aldalam company. He added: “Winning the program was due to God Almighty first and then the public, who voted for us, because they wanted to see us win. “This gives a positive message from the world to the Arabs that we exist and we can do a lot.” Kudiry said the idea to participate in the Arabs' Got Talent 2012 popped up when MBC aired the first version of the show two years back. “I quickly developed the idea, vision and mission of the group,” he said, adding that it was his clear mindset that helped him achieve his target. People joined and supported him along the way — though it wasn't easy — giving him the confidence to reach the sky. “Earlier, in our team there were just 14 people and now thankfully there are 27 professionals with multiple talents,” said Kudiry. The group has performed twice in Saudi Arabia before they made their presence felt in Beirut on the show. Their first show was at the Italian Club in Jeddah and the second in Riyadh. All the stories enacted by the children and adults alike are penned by Kudiry, who then takes almost a month to prepare the group before they hit the stage. “Our preparations usually depend on our story or the theme, if it is long we take more time for rehearsals and if the plays are short and or the actions are easy then a few rehearsals are enough,” said Kudiry, whose stories always have meaningful messages for the society. “I write informative and significant stories which help our society,” he said. After performing against black backdrop, Kudiry and his group will soon offer something new to their fans. Putting together a show is not an easy job, Kudiry said that it requires tremendous efforts as sometimes members change, and finding talented ones isn't easy. But Kudiry believes that hard work and determination is all that one requires to take you to the top.
