26th Edition of Carthage Theater Days Takes Off
The 26th edition of the Carthage Theater Days (JTC) kicked off yesterday, November 22, at the Opera Theater in the City of Culture, Tunis. This year's program features 12 plays in the official competition, as well as a wide selection of non-competitive shows: 15 in the "Theater of the World" section, 16 Tunisian creations, 6 works from the Arab and African scene, and 6 amateur theater productions.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the JTC was broadcast live on the Watania 1 channel. The master of ceremonies, El Wathek Belleh Chakir, presented the different phases and highlights of the evening. With his stage presence and oratory ease, the young journalist created a convivial atmosphere while guiding the audience with clarity and professionalism.
Artistic Director's Speech
In his opening speech, Mounir Argui, artistic director and president of the organizing committee, quoted Bertolt Brecht: "Theater is not a mirror that reflects the image of the world, but a hammer with which we shape the world as it should be, more just, more human, more luminous." The slogan of this edition emphasizes artistic commitment: "Theater, a conscience and a change. Theater, the beating heart of the street."
Argui stressed that we are in an era where "the world needs more than ever an art that faces isolation and fear to restore trust in beauty and freedom." He recalled our absolute support for the Palestinian cause "not through slogans but through what art can do."
New Features and Events
This edition retains its usual sections and introduces for the first time an International Theater Forum titled "The Theater Artist, Their Time, and Their Work." This space is designed to testify, exchange, and share experiences, knowledge, and viewpoints.
The "Theater of Freedom" for detainees continues this year in penitentiary units and rehabilitation centers, in collaboration with the General Committee for Prisons and Rehabilitation.
Seven practical workshops will be led by confirmed specialists, in addition to a colloquium on theatrical research focusing on doctoral theses defended in Tunisian universities to enhance scientific research in the theatrical field.
A meeting is scheduled with Patrice Pavis, one of the greatest theorists of contemporary theater in the world, a renowned French critic in the field of theater studies and performance.
Awards will be given in several categories: best text, best scenography, best female interpretation, and best male interpretation.
The international jury of the competition is chaired by Tunisian playwright Lassaad Ben Abdallah and includes Saade Aldaass (Kuwait), Malek Laakoun (Algeria), Abdon Fortunée (Congo), Thameur Arbid (Syria), and Imed El May (Tunisia).
Tributes and Homages
During the opening ceremony, posthumous tributes were paid to creators who marked the stages of Tunisian, Arab, and African theaters. These include Fraj Chouchen, Anouar Chaafi, Mohamed Fadhel Jaziri, Fethi Haddaoui, Ahmed Hadhek El Orf, Mohamed Ali Belhareth, Taoufik Hammami, Mokhtar Mlih, Amara Melliti, Salah El Bojini, and Abir Jebali.
The opening ceremony was also an opportunity to honor Latefa Ahrrare (Morocco), Imad Mohson Ali Chanfari (Sultanate of Oman), Abdramane Kamaté (Ivory Coast), as well as five Tunisian artists: Leila Rezgui, Fethi Akkari, Ali Khemiri, Lazheri Sebii, Slim Sanhaji, and Hedi Boumiiza.
Musical Opening
Faithful to tradition, the opening of the JTC was animated by a musical program. The festivities were supposed to start on Habib Bourguiba Avenue with the spectacle "Jeloud" (Skins) by Akram Ghadhab, a creation inspired by traditional percussion instruments. However, the program was not maintained due to heavy rain.
At the Opera Theater in Tunis, a first musical interlude was ensured by Mohamed Ali Chebil for one of his songs in Tunisian dialect. Being one of the most appreciated singers on the Tunisian music scene, his passage sparked long applause.
A second musical performance was provided by Boutheina Nabouli and Benjemy for a new title "Ye ain golli." The strong and emotional voice of the young singer mixed with Benjemy's electronic sonorities for an exceptional blend conceived exclusively for the evening and strongly applauded by the audience.
The opening ceremony was followed by the representation of the Egyptian National Theater, "King Lear," directed by Shady Sorour. This adaptation of Shakespeare's work marks the great return to the stage of Arab star Yahya El-Fakharani, for a world premiere in one of the dramatist's most emblematic plays. A second opening play was scheduled, "Rêve(s), Comédie noire" by Fadhel Jaïbi at the Le Rio Theater.
Note that the JTC will run until November 29, promising an intense week of theatrical performances and encounters.
