The 27th Carthage Theater Festival, set to take place from November 21 to 28, 2026, in Tunis, has announced its lineup for the official competition. A total of 12 plays from 11 countries will be competing for the top prizes. The festival, which is being held under the theme "Alive with Life, Alive with Theater," aims to celebrate the diversity of theatrical experiences from across Tunisia, the Arab world, and Africa.
The plays competing in the official competition include "تشايكا" (Chekhov) from Tunisia, directed by معز المرابط, and "ممرات الخوف" (Passages of Fear) from Tunisia, written and directed by محمد ضياء المنصوري. Other participating countries include Morocco with "عرس الدم" (Blood Wedding), directed by ياسين أحجام; Egypt with "الجريمة والعقاب" (Crime and Punishment), directed by محمود الحسيني; and Syria with "بروفة يوم الحساب" (Rehearsal for the Day of Reckoning), directed by ماهر صليبي.
The festival will also feature a range of parallel events, including workshops, lectures, and performances. One of the key events is the "مدارس ومساحات" (Schools and Spaces) section, which will showcase productions from private theaters and provide a platform for young actors and emerging artists to showcase their talents. Additionally, the festival will include a section dedicated to theater for children and young people, with performances that combine entertainment and educational value.
The festival's organizing committee has also announced that it will be paying tribute to several artists who have made significant contributions to Tunisian theater. These include محمد المختار الوزير, حمادي المزي, رضا بوقديدة, نعيمة الجاني, كوثر الباردي, جلال الدين السعدي, and ريم الزريبي. The festival will also honor the memory of artists who have passed away, including مليكة الحبلاني, ناصر صفر, رزقي العوني, الطاهر فطح, محمد مسعود إدريس, أحمد الكشباطي, آمال البكوش, صالح الرحموني, and محمد البلطي.
The festival's international jury, chaired by عبد الرؤوف الباسطي, will be awarding eight prizes, including the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Tanit awards, as well as prizes for best actor, best actress, best set design, and best text. The festival's program also includes a range of events and activities, such as the "مسرح الحرية" (Theater of Freedom) section, which features performances created with inmates from prisons and rehabilitation centers.
In addition to the official competition, the festival will also feature a range of other events, including a symposium on the theme of "ذاكرة الخشبة، وجوه صنعت مجد المسرح العربي" (The Memory of the Stage, Faces that Made the Glory of Arab Theater). The festival will also include a series of concerts and performances, as well as a range of activities and events for children and young people.
The 27th Carthage Theater Festival is being organized in partnership with several cultural institutions and organizations, including the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and the National Theater of Tunisia. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and cultures, and to celebrate the diversity and richness of theatrical experiences from around the world.
Key points
- The festival will feature 12 plays from 11 countries competing in the official competition.
- The festival will include a range of parallel events, including workshops, lectures, and performances.
- The festival will pay tribute to several artists who have made significant contributions to Tunisian theater.
