The 26th edition of the Carthage Theatre Days (JTC) launched spectacularly with a majestic production of William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” presented by the Egyptian National Theatre. The performance, directed by Shadi Sorour and starring living legend Yahia Fakharani, set a high bar for the prestigious festival.
Staged in a new Arabic translation by Fatma Moussa, the production delves into Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of the illusion of power. The narrative follows Lear as he cedes his kingdom to his two daughters, a decision that propels him into a devastating descent into madness. In this fresh interpretation, Fakharani portrays a king desperately clinging to the idea of absolute authority, even believing he can control his children’s affections. His first confrontation with the truth shatters this illusion, unleashing one of the stage’s most ferocious tragedies.
Recognizing the challenge of a three-hour classic, director Shadi Sorour employed a masterfully evolving scenography. The production leverages new technologies to maintain visual engagement, featuring a realistic royal palace set. The lighting design sculpts contrasting atmospheres, from dramatic highlights to oppressive darkness during war scenes, while a soundtrack dominated by war trumpets and drums heightens the tension. The use of cinematic-style video mapping ensures fluid transitions and creates several unforgettable stage images. The costumes, noted as a particular strength of the show with their noble fabrics and finely chosen colors, give each character enhanced dramatic presence.
The cast excelled in delivering the text, performed primarily in classical Arabic with touches of Egyptian dialect, notably in the lucid and poignant interjections of the Fool.
At over eighty years old, Yahia Fakharani delivered a performance of rare finesse. An emotional chameleon, he navigated madness, lucidity, humor, and distress with the maturity of a giant of Arab theatre. His magnetic presence gave Lear a new, intimate, and heart-wrenching dimension, making this 2025 version a standout moment for the regional stage.
The production was met with strong applause from the audience and will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of this year’s JTC. The festival’s steering committee cemented the moment’s significance by presenting Fakharani with an honorary Tanit award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the arts. For many, the memory was made even more poignant by the production’s sold-out status, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to secure a ticket.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
