The third and final day of the international theatre forum, “The Theatre Artist: Their Time and Works,” featured compelling discussions that challenged classical canons and explored the role of theatre in the Arab world.
In a standout presentation, Tunisian philosopher and novelist Oum Ezzine Ben Sheikha posed a radical question: why must Arab theatre “kill” Western classics like Othello and Lear to find its own voice? She argued that theatre and philosophy are intertwined disciplines that both interrogate human existence.
“Theatre is the place where our minds and bodies, tamed by tradition and religion, are liberated,” Ben Sheikha stated. She described the stage as a space for philosophical experimentation, where ideas are tested through conflict, dialogue, and ethical choices, providing a vital, embodied form of thinking.
The forum also hosted Sudanese theatre director and actor Ali Mahdi Nouri, a veteran with a 50-year career. Nouri, renowned for his political play “He and She,” outlined his view of theatre as a tool for “transfer, resistance, and reconstruction.” He shared insights on navigating Sudan’s complex political landscape, remarking, “It was never easy with politicians looking for the smallest mistake, but with a little cunning and, above all, wisdom, I always managed to get out of the predicament.”
A presentation by Tunisian academic Mohamed El Medioni highlighted the profound influence of French scholar Patrice Pavis. Pavis was credited with revolutionizing theatrical analysis through his interdisciplinary approach and his seminal “Dictionary of the Theatre,” which remains a key reference for integrating visual, sound, and textual signs.
The closing session celebrated Iraqi director Salah Al Qassab, an icon of the Arab stage and a pioneer of “Theatre of the Image.” Described as a “living memory” of Arab theatre, Al Qassab’s career is marked by aesthetic daring and intellectual rigor. His lasting impact is honoured through an award in his name, presented annually at the Carthage Theatre Days to distinguished Arab theatre artists.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi-JTC)
