Mauritania Hosts First Edition of Shenkitt International Monodrama Festival

The first edition of the Shenkitt International Monodrama Festival was officially opened on November 15, 2026, at the Old Youth House in Nouakchott, Mauritania. The ceremony was attended by Sidi Mohamed Jedou Khatry, Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, along with other officials and artists. The festival features participants from within and outside the country.

In his speech, Khatry expressed his pride in launching the festival, stating that it marks a significant addition to the national cultural scene and a crucial step towards diversifying theatrical creativity and strengthening Mauritania's presence in the Arab, African, and international artistic movements. He emphasized that the festival aligns with the vision of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, which aims to establish the culture and arts sector as a cornerstone of human development.

Khatry also praised the efforts of the Amal Literary Arts Association and other partners who contributed to the launch of the festival. He expressed hope that this inaugural edition would set the stage for a sustainable cultural and artistic tradition, becoming an annual event that showcases outstanding theatrical performances and contributes to the development of the national theater movement.

Sheikhani Mohamed, the festival's director, stated that the launch of the festival was not a passing initiative but rather a result of a conviction in the importance of providing a platform for Mauritanian theater artists to express their creativity and showcase their talents. He added that the festival has become a national cultural project that aspires to grow and continue, working to enhance the presence of Mauritanian theater on the Arab scene.

The festival also saw the signing of a partnership agreement between the organizers of the Shenkitt International Monodrama Festival and the Spéo Monodram Festival in Morocco. The agreement aims to promote joint artistic cooperation and exchange experiences and theatrical performances. The partnership was announced by Redouane Ibrahim, director of the Spéo Monodram Festival, who expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the festival's organizers.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with the honoring of several individuals who contributed to the success of the first edition, in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the service of culture and arts. The festival provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents and promote cultural exchange between Mauritania and other countries.

The Shenkitt International Monodrama Festival is expected to become an annual event, promoting the development of the theater sector in Mauritania and enhancing the country's cultural presence on the international stage. The festival's success is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to promoting artistic expression.

Key points

• The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Mauritania and other countries.