The Arab Theater Authority announced the selection of 20 productions to participate in the 14th edition of the Arab Theater Festival, which will be held in January in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. The authority, based in the Emirate of Sharjah, stated that a viewing committee of five members selected 13 productions for the competitive segment of the festival from Iraq, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The festival will also showcase five plays in the non-competitive segment from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Morocco, alongside two plays from Sudan and Palestine in a third segment for hosted performances.
The Secretary-General of the Arab Theater Authority, Ismail Abdullah, remarked, "These productions are important and raise pressing questions in the realms of freedom, justice, and human rights. They advocate for life and goodness, carrying high and innovative artistic visions and addressing global and Arab issues that shake the world's fabric." He added, "In the 14th edition, the world will witness the awareness of Arab playwrights and their engagement with the historical path of their nation and humanity, and they will see that Arab theater makers present their aesthetic, intellectual, and philosophical visions."
The Arab Theater Festival first launched in 2009 in Cairo and is held annually in a different Arab capital. The 14th edition will take place in Baghdad from January 10 to 16, 2024.
