The 36th Regional Theater Festival for youth theater groups opened on Friday evening at the Mahdia Cultural Center in Tunisia. The festival features 20 theatrical shows competing in different categories. The event is organized by the Regional Cultural Commission, which chose to honor Tunisian artist Fathi Mselmani, a native of Mahdia, for his rich artistic career in television, theater, and film.
The festival's opening included a monodrama performance titled "Cage" by actress Sabrine Al Ramdani, who won the best actress award at the Jerash International Monodrama Festival in Jordan. According to Adnan Ben Amer, head of the cultural institutions department at the Regional Commission, the festival will also feature a series of discussions, including a session on "the role of theater in promoting social cohesion and addressing risky behaviors."
Ben Amer emphasized the importance of cultural and youth institutions in hosting and developing the skills of young people. He noted that these institutions play a crucial role in building a strong foundation to protect young people from potential risks. The festival brings together 14 cultural and youth institutions, with around 200 children and young people participating in the performances.
The competing shows include collective performances for children, alternative space theater, collective performances for young people, individual performances, and puppet theater. All performances are directed by professional theater artists. A jury consisting of theater experts and professors will evaluate the shows and award prizes to the winners.
The festival is part of a series of cultural events taking place in Tunisia, including the Carthage Music Days, which will feature 34 performances from 15 countries. Other events include the "Big Tag Africa" festival, the "Theatrical Experiences" festival in Sfax, and the Southern Theater Meeting in Tozeur.
The Regional Theater Festival aims to promote young theater talent and provide a platform for them to showcase their skills. The event is also an opportunity for young people to engage with cultural and artistic activities, which can help to foster social cohesion and promote positive values.
The festival will conclude with an award ceremony, where prizes will be awarded to the winning shows. The event is expected to contribute to the development of the theater scene in Tunisia and provide a boost to the country's cultural sector.
Key points
- The festival features 20 theatrical shows competing in various categories.
- The event aims to promote young theater talent and provide a platform for them to showcase their skills.
- The festival is part of a series of cultural events taking place in Tunisia.