The 4th edition of the Festival national du théâtre tunisien "Les Saisons de la création" has launched in Tunis with the play "Hawas" (Feelings) as the first entry in the official competition. The play, directed by Zouhair Erraoum and produced by "Habtus de production et distribution artistique" with support from the ministry of Cultural Affairs, premiered at the "El Teatro" space.
"Hawas" is a 70-minute work that explores contemporary neuroses in the face of globalization. The play features a dense script that offers a philosophical reflection on identity, body, and the meaning of existence. It aims to deconstruct the social reality in Southern countries, depicting them as dominated by capitalism and individualism.
The play follows Yahia, a man suffering from social phobia and psychological disorders, played by Mohamed Bouzid. His character serves as a metaphor for invisible traumas and the "social masks" people wear daily. Opposing visions of the world between Yahia and his wife, who has bipolar disorder, played by Mayssa Sassi, lead to a conflict that reveals their fragility and divergent relationships with social life.
The play's use of violence creates a shocking atmosphere, reflecting the excessive violence exerted by repressive regimes on individuals who internalize and reproduce it. The plot primarily unfolds in a psychologist's office, a space for unpacking the unconscious and repressed desires. The play also critiques the myth of the therapist as a savior through the character of the psychologist, played by Manar Tangour.
The psychology in "Hawas" appears powerless to decipher the deviations of a modernity shaped by violence, individualism, and globalization. This type of work, which places psychology and mental disorders under a microscope, sparks significant interest among the public. The audience seeks reflections of their concerns and existential questions in theater.
The "Les Saisons de la création" festival will continue until November 6. Official competition performances will take place at a rate of two shows per day, distributed between the "El Teatro" space and the "Quatrième Art" hall in downtown Tunis.
The interest in psychological themes in "Hawas" aligns with a broader trend in contemporary theater. By exploring complex issues, the play contributes to a deeper understanding of the human condition.
Key points
- The play "Hawas" explores contemporary neuroses and the impact of globalization on identity and social relationships.
- The festival "Les Saisons de la création" continues until November 6, featuring two shows per day in the official competition.
- The play critiques the myth of the therapist as a savior and questions the power of psychology in addressing modern societal issues.
