Saudi Actress Aixa Kay on the Success of “Al-A’sha Street” and Her Journey in Acting

Saudi actress Aixa Kay, who delivered a standout performance in the series, shared her experience in an exclusive interview with Sayidaty magazine.

The TV series Al-A’sha Street has captivated audiences across the Gulf, achieving top viewership ratings during the holy month of Ramadan.

A Dream Realized

Reflecting on her cover photoshoot for Sayidaty, Aixa described it as a “beautiful dream”. As her first magazine cover, she expressed deep gratitude, considering it a milestone in her artistic career.

The Success of Al-A’sha Street

Aixa admitted that while she refrains from setting expectations, the overwhelming audience response and the show’s top rankings exceeded her hopes. She credited the cinematic directing style for its visual appeal, which contributed to its widespread acclaim.

Regarding the series’ Ramadan release, she acknowledged that the season’s high TV viewership played a significant role in its success. However, she remained uncertain whether the show would have had the same impact outside of Ramadan.

Landing the Role of “Umm Ibrahim”

Initially, actresses auditioned for the role of “Wadha”, but after Aixa’s first audition, she was offered “Umm Ibrahim”. Recognizing that the character suited her, she embraced the role wholeheartedly. Her emotional connection to the character was strengthened by a personal resemblance to her late grandmother, which added authenticity to her portrayal.

Ensuring Historical Accuracy

The series, set in Riyadh’s historical past, prioritized accuracy through cultural, interior design, and fashion advisors. Linguistic experts also refined dialects to maintain realism.

Mastering the Dialect

Aixa credited her strong foundation in the Najdi dialect to her heritage—her father hails from Ash-Shaqra, and her grandmother from Unaizah. Having lived in Riyadh for much of her life, she naturally adapted to the role’s linguistic demands.

The Character of “Umm Ibrahim”

Some viewers found “Umm Ibrahim” strict in her parenting, but Aixa defended her character, explaining that in her time, parental authority was a form of protection rather than control. The social norms of the era shaped her approach to family and discipline.

On-Screen Chemistry and Challenging Scenes

Aixa praised her co-stars, including Khaled Sakr and the actresses playing her daughters, for their strong performances, which enhanced the authenticity of their on-screen family dynamics.

One of her most challenging scenes involved a confrontation between “Umm Ibrahim” and her daughter over a forbidden romance. The emotional weight of the scene made it particularly demanding to perform.

A Pattern of Authority Roles

Aixa acknowledged that she has often been cast in roles portraying strong, authoritative women. While she enjoys these characters, she hopes to showcase a broader range of emotions and depth in future roles.

Passion for Historical Dramas

Despite not being nostalgic about the past, Aixa has frequently worked in projects set in historical periods, such as Noura, Saifi, and Al-A’sha Street. She attributes this trend to Saudi Arabia’s expanding film industry, which is embracing its cultural heritage while looking toward the future.

Acting Breakthrough and Early Career

Aixa views her acting journey as a continuous learning process. From 2015 to 2018, she participated in short films for free, worked with students, and attended acting classes to refine her skills. She considers Jasmine Road (2020) a significant step but not her sole breakthrough, as she believes growth comes from cumulative experiences.

The Cannes Experience and Jury Role

Her role in Noura marked her entry into Saudi cinema and led to its historic participation in the Cannes Film Festival. Later, she was unexpectedly invited to serve as a jury member for the Saudi Film Festival’s feature film competition, a moment she considers pivotal in her career.

Navigating Success and Future Roles

Aixa recognizes that success brings higher expectations. She refuses to repeat herself in future roles, preferring to evolve as an actress, even if it means taking risks with projects that may not always succeed.

Love for Language and Travel

A passionate language learner, Aisha enjoys “language tourism”, where she immerses herself in a country’s culture while studying its language. This unique approach enriches her understanding of different societies.

Balancing Career and Motherhood

While balancing her career, language studies, and motherhood is challenging, Aixa believes that ambition and passion should not be sacrificed for parenthood. Instead, she strives to integrate all aspects of her life harmoniously.

Women in Saudi Drama

Aixa acknowledges the progress women have made in Saudi drama, both on-screen and behind the scenes. She believes female-led narratives, such as Al-A’sha Street, provide more authentic portrayals of women’s experiences, moving away from traditional stereotypes.

Influences and Life Lessons

Aixa credits the women in her family as her greatest inspirations, particularly her mother, who taught her the importance of passion. Her mother’s enthusiasm for storytelling and learning continues to inspire Aisha’s own artistic and intellectual pursuits.

With Al-A’sha Street solidifying her place in the industry, Aixa Kay remains committed to growth, diversity in roles, and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s evolving film and television landscape.