The Théâtre Régional de Béjaïa (TRB), which suffered damage due to the March 2021 earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, underwent rehabilitation work, causing delays in its reopening. Finally, on Thursday, October 12, it reopened its doors with a theatrical performance, a stage costume parade, and an exhibition titled “Taht eroudm” (Under the Debris).
The 12th edition of the FITB, running until October 21, marks the first major cultural event held at the TRB, currently under the leadership of actress Nidhal El Djazairi. The festival’s organization, led by playwright, director, and actor Slimane Benaïssa, decided to cancel the artistic opening ceremony, the welcome dinner with music, one-man shows, songs, and music, as well as the closing gala, in solidarity with the Palestinian people, following the decision of the Ministry of Culture and Arts.
“International and national theatrical performances at the TRB and the Maison de la Culture will continue, as will the performances in the municipal theaters selected to host plays,” as stated in an official release. Slimane Benaïssa expressed, “With sadness and a heavy heart filled with anger against the injustice endured by the Palestinian people for decades, we inaugurate our festival. All conflicts happening worldwide have cultural underpinnings, even in the way they are justified. What better art than theater to explain and clarify these conflicts and elevate the cultural level of societies, providing them with the means to build peace,” during his opening speech.
A Complex and Turbulent World
“We artists hold a fundamental belief: to honor our martyrs so they escape oblivion and work for the living to keep our martyrs in memory,” he added. The festival’s opening ceremony saw the presence of the ambassadors of Cuba and Côte d’Ivoire. The Wali of Béjaïa, Kamel Eddine Kharbouche, was absent and delegated a representative. Mohamed Yahiaoui, the director of the Algerian National Theater Mahieddine Bachtarzi, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Arts Soraya Mouloudji, who couldn’t attend due to professional commitments with the government.
Soraya Mouloudji mentioned the significant increase in theatrical production in Algeria, thanks in part to the financial support her department provides to theater troupes. She also discussed the plays produced in celebration of Algeria’s 60th anniversary of independence. Armando Vergara Bueno, the Cuban Ambassador to Algeria, recalled that Algeria and Cuba are celebrating the 61st anniversary of their diplomatic relations on October 17.
“In the complex and turbulent world we live in, the role of culture and artistic events, including theater, as a guardian of a special and personal relationship between artists and the audience, takes on increasing importance in bringing people and cultures closer together. Hence, the relevance of a festival like this, where theater groups from different continents participate,” he stated.
An Ecological Plea
The opening performance at the festival was “Gris” (Gray) by the Cuban group Teatro Tuyo, a silent comedy featuring three clown-like characters. It’s an intricately crafted ecological plea delivered without words. Only mime, music, choreography, and acrobatics allow the characters to express themselves and capture the audience’s attention. Three clowns, appearing out of nowhere, discover a golden box.
Each of them desires it. As soon as one of them opens it, they hear the sound of the wind or the sea, and they sense the passing of seasons. “Gris” denounces severe and repeated harm to nature, such as ocean pollution, tree felling, forest fires, water wastage, air pollution… Gray could replace green and blue, and the world would lose its beauty. A world without seasons. The performance received enthusiastic applause from the large audience at the FITB opening. Other plays from Italy, Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, and Syria are scheduled at the TRB every day at 7 pm. Algerian plays are part of the program at the Béjaïa House of Culture every day at 4 pm.
A Diverse Audience, From 7 to 70
“With the support of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the wilaya, and the presidents of the APW and APC, we have expanded the festival’s program. The idea is to connect with an audience ranging from 7 to 70 years old. Storytellers will visit schools for children, and masterclasses on acting, directing, and dramatic writing are planned for the youth,” explained Slimane Benaïssa.
In collaboration with the Center for Amazigh Language and Culture Research, FITB is organizing a colloquium titled “Theater and Resistances” on October 18 and 19 (starting at 9 am) with the participation of various scholars and researchers, including Ahmed Cheniki, Mourad Yelles, Leïla Benaïcha, Zoulikha Moulai, and Asma Hambli.
