Ongoing Support for Tunisian Theater
and Promotion of Artistic Creativity


The curtain rose on the second edition of the Tunisian National Theater Festival, *“Seasons of Creativity,”* organized by the Tunisian National Theater (TNT) in partnership with the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Foundation (FABA) and the Microcred Group, on Thursday evening at the 4th Art Hall in Tunis. The opening ceremony was attended by Anis Khannach, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Cultural Affairs, and many prominent figures from the theater, cultural, and artistic communities.

Following the national anthem, Moez Mrabet, General Director of the Tunisian National Theater, spoke about the festival’s mission to continue fostering the growth and development of theatrical art in Tunisia. He highlighted that the festival aims to enrich public appreciation of the arts, with performances held at the specially designed 4th Art Hall and the Palais du Théâtre Halfaouine.

Reflecting on the first edition, Mrabet emphasized the success achieved through the collaboration with FABA and Microcred, noting that the festival not only celebrates theater but also supports humanitarian causes, including solidarity with Palestinian resistance in Gaza. The event aspires to establish itself as a long-standing platform for Tunisian creators of all generations to share their artistic experiences.

This year’s edition features new elements, including parallel programming with conferences, exhibitions, and masterclasses in photography, video, and theater critique, with the goal of building young talent and promoting the Tunisian cultural scene.


Honoring the Legacy of Yasser Jradi

During the opening night, the festival paid tribute to Yasser Jradi, a beloved artist who passed away on August 12, with a special performance by Amani Riahi accompanied by instrumentalist Zied Chakwani. Riahi sang “Chbik nsitini,” “nehlef b arag el bannaya,” and “kel asfour w houa sghir” from her repertoire, in memory of Jradi.

The evening also included the introduction of the festival jury, chaired by Raouf Ben Amor and consisting of Abdelwahed Mabrouk, Souad Ben Slimane, and Basma Ferchichi. The selection committee, chaired by journalist Lotfi Arbi Snoussi, includes Sonia Zarg Ayouna, Taoufik El Ayeb, and Seif Ferchichi.


Competition and Awards

The 15 selected productions, chosen from 30 submissions, will compete for awards totaling 80,000 TND, distributed across the following categories: Best Direction, Best Playwriting, Best Scenography, Best Female Performance, and Best Male Performance, each awarded 10,000 TND. The collective award, *“The Grand Prize for Tunisian Theatrical Creation,”* is valued at 30,000 TND.


Parallel Program and Masterclasses

Festivalgoers and theater enthusiasts can also look forward to a diverse parallel program, which includes a conference on November 9-10 titled *“Tunisian Theater and Its New Creative Challenges.”* Discussions will focus on four main themes: *“Theater and Its New Content,” “Theater and the Future,” “Theatrical Writing and New Dramaturgies,”* and *“Theater Criticism Through the Creators’ Lens.”*

Additionally, the program includes a photography exhibition by Kais Ben Farhat titled “Monologue / Monochrome,” running from November 3, 2024, to January 31, 2025, at the 4th Art Hall. The exhibition documents eight years of Tunisian theater. Theater fans can participate in masterclasses on theater photography with artist-photographer Kais Ben Farhat, theater video production with Nidhal Guiga, and writing, analysis, and theater critique with Faouzia Mezzi.

The TNT, in collaboration with FABA, will also award 4,500 TND in incentive prizes to the best participants of these workshops (1,500 TND per prize).


Closing Performance: "Jogging" by Hanane Hajj Ali

In solidarity with the Lebanese people facing ongoing bombings by Israeli forces, the festival will host Lebanese director and actress Hanane Hajj Ali, who will present her play *“Jogging”* during the closing ceremony. This play tells the stories of four women, including Hanane herself, inspired by her daily life as a “woman, mother, actress, and citizen,” as she jogs through the streets of Beirut to cope with stress, depression, and osteoporosis. Her journey delves into her dreams and deepest fears, challenging stereotypes and prejudices that weigh heavily on women across the Arab world.


List of 15 Selected Works for the Festival Competition
at the Palais du Théâtre-Halfaouine and the 4th Art Hall:


1. Kaat Intidhar (Waiting Room) – Gouna  

   - Production: Medenine Center for Dramatic and Scenic Arts  

   - Text and Direction: Farhat Debch  


2. Arayes (Dolls)

   - Production: Ritej Production  

   - Direction: Hatem Maroub  


3. Raksat Samaa (Celestial Dance)*

   - Production: Tunisian National Theater  

   - Text and Direction: Taher Issa Ben Larbi  


4. Taht Edhaght (Under Pressure)

   - Production: Kef Center for Dramatic and Scenic Arts  

   - Dramaturgy and Direction: Rayan Kairaouani  


5. Bila Onwen (Untitled)

   - Production: Ariana Center for Dramatic and Scenic Arts, supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs  

   - Text and Dramaturgy: Marwa Manai, based on Sarra Jerbi’s journal  


6. El Bakkhara (Toxic Paradise)

   - Production: Tunis Opera Theater and the Pole for Theater and Scenic Arts  

   - Scenography and Direction: Sadok Trabelsi, Text: Elyes Rebhi  


7. El Baouaba 52 (Gate 52)

   - Production: Théâtre des Gens, supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs  

   - Direction: Dalila Meftahi, Text: Donia Mnassriya  


8. Louzina (The Factory)

   - Production: El Teatro  

   - Direction: Haykel Rahali  


9. Asfour Janna (Innocence)

   - Direction: Houssem Sahli  

   - Text: Fawzi Ben Hafsa, Production: Houssine Ben Abdelkrim  


10. Wasaya Eddik (The Rooster's Recommendations)

    - Production: Clandestino Prod  

    - Dramaturgy and Direction: Walid Dghisni, Text: Mounir Amari  


11. Rawdhat El Ocheq (Garden of Lovers)  

    - Text and Direction: Moez Achouri  


12. Om El Bolden (Mother of the Lands) 

    - Text: Ezeddine Madani  

    - Scenography and Direction: Hafedh Khalifa  


13. Pellicule Chkoun (Who)

    - Production: Théâtre Ain  

    - Direction and Performance: Mohamed Chaouki Khouja and Nedra Toumi  


14. IItiraf (Confession)*

    - Production: "Roua" for Artistic Production  

    - Dramaturgy and Direction: Mohamed Ali Saï  


15. Wahed (Someone) 

    - Production: Plaisir Production and Distribution, supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs  

    - Text and Direction: Marouane Missaoui