The 14th edition of the Bejaia International Theater Festival has kicked off in Algeria, celebrating African talent and fostering cultural exchange. The festival, which began Friday evening at the Abdelmalek Bouguermouh Regional Theater, welcomes a host of prominent artists and theater enthusiasts.
The opening ceremony included a floral tribute at Patrice Lumumba Square in Bejaia, followed by a performance of “Palestine the Betrayed” by the Kateb Yacine Regional Theater of Tizi Ouzou. This powerful start set the stage for a week-long celebration of theatrical arts.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, Ismail Inzaren, a central director at the ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting local initiatives, encouraging young talent, and connecting emerging Algerian playwrights with established figures in Algeria and across Africa. “We believe that investing in culture is investing in the future,” he stated.
Festival Commissioner, Slimane Ben Aissa, highlighted the significance of honoring Africa through this event. He expressed the hope that the festival would contribute to “building an African future based on solidarity, culture, and mutual respect,” fostering closer ties and understanding among participating nations.
The festival program began earlier in the day at the Taous Amrouche House of Culture with a children’s play titled “Abeer,” alongside performances by Naima Mahailia from Algiers and Efrim Oltscher from Turkey. This diverse program caters to a wide audience, ensuring the festival’s inclusivity.
Running from October 10th to 17th, the festival showcases seven plays from various African countries, including Algeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Guinea, and Mauritania, all performed on the Abdelmalek Bouguermouh Theater stage. This impressive lineup, as detailed by Commissioner Ben Aissa during a press conference, offers a rich tapestry of African storytelling.
Mauritania, the guest of honor at this year’s festival, presented its play “Debeh” on Saturday evening. Sunday featured “The Roman Carnival” by the Mohamed Tahar El Fergani Regional Theater of Constantine, further enriching the festival’s diverse offerings.
Other scheduled performances include “Refusal of Shame” from Burkina Faso, “The Miser” from Tunisia, and “Confessions of a Mercenary” from Senegal. Cote d’Ivoire will present “Sarge, the Forgotten Venus,” adding to the festival’s international flavor.
Ben Aissa announced that the closing night of the 14th Bejaia International Theater Festival will feature “Just for Knowledge” from Guinea, along with a tribute to the esteemed artist and actor, Mustapha Ayad. The festival also includes national theatrical performances from October 11th to 16th, including “Stand Up” and “Ghadwa.”
The Bejaia International Theater Festival provides a vital platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression, strengthening ties within the African continent and showcasing the power of theater to connect people and cultures. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of African theatrical talent and a significant contribution to the arts scene in Algeria.
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