The 24th session of the Carthage Theater Days began yesterday, Saturday, at the municipal theater in Tunis, under the slogan "With theater we live.. With art we resist." The event was attended by theatrical figures from 27 countries, ambassadors from various accredited nations, and representatives from diplomatic and consular missions. Hundreds watched a performance from Spain titled "Final," which combined circus arts and choreography, before moving to the opening ceremonies inside the theater, which eschewed any festive displays in solidarity with the families in the Gaza Strip.
In his opening speech, festival director Moez Morabet stated: "The Carthage Theater Days have carved a rich artistic epic throughout their previous sessions, showcasing theater in its highest manifestations and diverse aesthetics. It has become a significant regional and global event for exploring experiences in the fourth art, particularly those from Arab and African cultures, which form an integral part of Tunisian identity."
He added that "this year's session is different in its atmosphere from previous sessions, as pride in reaching a level of maturity and completion blends with feelings of pain, anger, anxiety, and concern," especially since it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the festival while coinciding with the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza.
The festival mentioned several recently deceased artists during the opening, including actor and director Abdel Ghani Ben Taraa, actress Rim Hamrouni, and puppeteer Lassaad Mahwashi. The festival also honored former Minister of Cultural Affairs Abderraouf El-Basiti, the Lebanese duo Hanan Haj Ali and Roge Ashraf, Iranian actor Amin Zendakani, Iranian actress Elham Hamidi, puppeteer YaYa Koulbaly from Mali, Tunisian actress Najia Lorgani, Egyptian media figure Hala Sarhan, and Tunisian actor Hussein Mahnouch.
In the official competition of the festival, 11 performances are competing, with two from Tunisia: "El-Firma" directed by Ghazi Zaghbani and "Escape from Repentance" directed by Abdul Wahid Mabrouk. Additionally, the festival will present 24 performances from Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the Netherlands, Syria, and Tunisia in the "parallel performances" section, along with 20 performances in the "World Theater" section and four performances in the "Theatrical Expressions in Exile" section.
