Despite the bitter cold enveloping Tunis, a wave of warmth and joy swept over the Opera Theatre (City of Culture) on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of the Carthage Theatre Days (JTC) this weekend.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Amina Serarfi, a large number of diplomats accredited to Tunisia and, of course, the guests and artists of this edition.

Condensed to make room for new creations, the evening was marked by the presentation of two major shows, played to sold-out crowds, confirming the public's enthusiasm.

"King Lear": A production of the Egyptian National Theatre, starring Yahia Fakhrani, one of the elder statesmen of the Egyptian artistic scene.

 

“Dream(s) A dark comedy”: A work bringing together the famous Tunisian duo Fadhel Jaïbi as director and Jalila Baccar as writer.

The official kick-off of this 26th edition, placed under the sign of commitment, resistance and creativity, took place after the national anthem.

Elegant and eloquent, the master of ceremonies, Wathek Bellah Chakir, introduced the director of this edition, Mohamed Mounir Argui, for his welcoming remarks. The latter emphasized the activist vocation of theater: “We are gathered here to rediscover our primary strength: the strength to rise up, to express ourselves, to dream. Theater, as Bertolt Brecht said, 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 humane, more luminous,” he declared.

The director then praised "the resistance and heroism of Gaza and Palestine," emphasizing the role of the demonstration in "raising awareness" and training the next generation.

The ceremony also served as a platform to present the works in official competition and those programmed out of competition, while acknowledging the delicate mission of the jury.

The Carthage Film Festival (JTC) paid a vibrant posthumous tribute to numerous Tunisian and Arab creators who passed away this year, praising their "lives rich in works and creativity." Among them were Fethi Haddoui, Anouar Chaafi, Mohamed Fadhel Jaziri, and several other dream-makers.

In keeping with tradition, the event also honored those who continue to enrich African, Arab, and Tunisian theater for their major contributions. The individuals recognized were:

 

Latifa Ahrar (Morocco)

Imed Mohsen Ali Chanfari (Sultanate of Oman)

 

Abderrahman Kamaté (Ivory Coast)

 

From Tunisia: Slim Sanhaji, Leila Rezgui, Fathi Akkari, Lazhar Sebaï and Hédi Boumiïza.

In celebrating the latter's career, Mohamed Mounir Argui wanted to pay tribute to all "the Tunisian technicians who, here and there, ensure the smooth running of the JTC".

The evening ended with music, featuring performances by Mohamed Ali Chebil and the duo Benjemy & Randa Nabouli, who presented their new productions.