The 27th edition of the Carthage Theatre Days (JTC) is taking place in Tunis from November 21 to 28, 2026, with the theme "Le théâtre bat son plein, le théâtre bat la vie" (Theater is in full swing, theater beats life). This year's edition features 56 shows and 12 creations in competition, showcasing the diversity of theatrical approaches and dramaturgies from around the world. The festival will also invest in urban and penitentiary spaces, promoting theatrical decentralization in regions.
The competition section includes 12 creations from 11 Arab and African countries, including Bahrain, Benin, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Senegal, Syria, and Tunisia. Tunisia will be represented with two creations: "Tchaïka" directed by Moez Mrabet and "Les Couloirs de la peur" directed by Mohamed Dhia Mansouri. The international jury will be presided over by Abderraouf El Basti, a Tunisian cultural figure and former Minister of Culture.
The jury will also comprise Carole Karemera, a Rwandan actress, director, and saxophonist; Roger Assaf, a Lebanese director and dramaturge; and Walid Aouni, a Lebanese choreographer and scenographer. Moez Gdiri, a Tunisian actor and director, will serve as a reporter member. The competition aims to consolidate the visibility of theater in the region and promote professional exchanges.
The festival also features a national panorama section, "Panorama du théâtre tunisien," with 14 national productions selected from the most notable creations of the season. The "Théâtre du monde" section presents 19 international productions, showcasing cultural and aesthetic diversity from foreign scenes. Additionally, the "Escales théâtrales" section highlights six multidisciplinary projects focusing on the renewal of relationships between text, body, space, and audience.
The festival will also pay tribute to the artistic trajectories of prominent Tunisian and international figures, including Anissa Lotfi, Mohamed Kouka, Adama Traoré, Oliver Reese, and Aïda Fahmy. The "Consécrations" section will honor these artists, while the "Hommages" section will recognize others who have contributed to the renewal of theatrical forms.
The festival's social component, "Théâtre de la liberté," organized in partnership with the Directorate General of Prisons and Rehabilitation, will take place in Tunisian prisons and rehabilitation centers. This section features shows designed and performed by inmates, aiming to promote rehabilitation and insertion through artistic expression.
The festival's program also includes academic and scientific events, such as an international colloquium on the challenges of financing creation and a forum on the memory of Arab theater and its major figures. Additionally, the festival offers a rich training program, including two international masterclasses and eight practical workshops focused on directing, acting, and exploring contemporary dramaturgies.
Key points
- The festival features 56 shows and 12 creations in competition from 11 Arab and African countries.
- The competition aims to consolidate the visibility of theater in the region and promote professional exchanges.
- The festival will also pay tribute to the artistic trajectories of prominent Tunisian and international figures.
