The 25th edition of the Carthage Theatre Days was opened on Saturday evening at the Municipality Theatre in Tunis in the presence of the Minister of Culture, Amina Srarfi, several heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Tunisia, and a number of theatre, culture and media professionals from Tunisia, Arab, African and foreign countries.
Speaking at the opening of the 25th edition of the Carthage Theatre Days, Mohamed Mounir Argui said that this edition is not only a cultural event but also celebrates the silver jubilee of this event, which has become one of the oldest theatre festivals in the Arab world and Africa.
He pointed out that the festival continues its journey despite the challenges and difficulties faced by some participating delegations due to visa and travel issues, and expressed solidarity with the artists who were unable to attend.
The festival is not only a celebration of art, it is also a call for solidarity with humanitarian causes, because theatre is a weapon in the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Argui said that supporting the right to life, expression and change will be the basis of all the events that will take place in the coming days, including theatre performances, seminars and discussions.
He also said that the occasion would carry a strong message of solidarity with humanitarian causes, stressing the festival’s firm stance in support of the right of peoples to self-determination and the defence of their rights and territories.
Palestinian singer Shadi Zaqtan took the stage, guitar in hand, singing about humanity, freedom and justice.
After the official opening performance at the Municipal Theatre, the guests and visitors of the fourth art could see a play from the People’s Republic of China called ‘Star-Returning’ at the Opera Theatre of the City of Culture, designed and directed by international theatre director, choreographer and artist Lemi Ponifasio. A world premiere of this production, which premiered in China on 8 November 2024.
With 125 performances from 32 countries on different continents, the 2024 edition of the Carthage Theatre Days is exceptional in terms of international participation.
In addition to 13 shows in the World Theatre section, 2 shows in the Diaspora Theatre expressions, 10 shows for children, 4 shows in the Integration Theatre and 11 shows in the Freedom Theatre dedicated to prisoners, there are 12 shows in the official competition and 35 shows in the parallel sections.
An international intellectual symposium entitled ‘Theatre, Genocide and Resistance’ will be held as part of the festival’s activities: Towards a New Humanist Horizon’, which will discuss the role of theatre in resisting war and injustice.
There will also be a roundtable discussion entitled ‘Theatre of Inclusion: Expression and Therapy’ and several workshops in different areas of theatre.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
