The 12th edition of the National Children’s Theater Festival kicked off today, Sunday, at the Ali Souaighi Cultural House in Khenchela, with the participation of 12 theater troupes representing 11 provinces across the country.
The event was inaugurated by Nadia Cherait, Advisor in charge of studies at the Ministry of Culture and Arts, alongside Khenchela Governor Youcef Mahiout, and the local Director of Culture and Arts, Mohamed Alwani. This new edition will continue until June 27.
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Souria Mouloudji, Mrs. Cherait called on participating artists to coordinate efforts to promote purposeful children’s theater that enhances the spirit of belonging and citizenship among the younger generations.
The ministry is committed to supporting all events that focus on children and contribute to providing rich and significant productions for this segment of society, aiming to stimulate children’s imagination, nurture their artistic curiosity, and instill a love for theater from an early age.
Festival Commissioner Tarek Achaba noted that this year’s festival, themed “Children of the Cause… Tragedy of Resilience and Hope,” features 12 theater troupes competing over four days for the festival’s top prize under the supervision of a jury comprising artists and theater academics. The competing performances include “The Violinist” by the Bassma El-Wiam Association from Ain Defla, “Rafiq the Cardboard Hero” by the Youth Activities Association from Mascara, “The Scroll” by the National Theatre Mahieddine Bachtarzi, “Martian Mission” by the Constantine Regional Theatre, “Genius Adventures” by the Zahra Association for Theatrical Arts from Annaba, and “Solar Storm” by the Guelma Regional Theatre.
Other competing performances are “City of Colors” by the Youth Activities Association from Kais in Khenchela, “Amusement Park” by the Anwar Rouiba Association for Culture and Arts from Algiers, “Joha on Saturn” by the Batna Regional Theatre, “Their Father” by the Darb Al-Mawahib Cultural Association from Tiaret, “Paradise” by the Tizi Ouzou Regional Theatre, and “The Enchanted Forest” by the Dramatic Arts Association from Skikda.
As part of the “Theater in the University” initiative, a special award for the best theatrical text for university students has been established in honor of the late former Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Abdelhak Rafiq Berarahi. Fourteen students from various universities will compete for this award, with the winner to be announced at the end of the festival.
On the sidelines of the festival, a scientific symposium will be held at the main public reading library’s lecture hall, discussing “The Role of Theater in Instilling National Values in Children,” featuring researchers, directors, and critics. Additionally, there will be workshops in puppet and object theater, as well as choreography, led by artists Kaddour Ben Chemessa and Toufik Kara.
The opening ceremony of the 12th National Children’s Theater Festival included honoring the guest of honor, artist and stage actor Hamza Feghouli, known as “Mama Saouda.” In his brief remarks, Feghouli expressed his happiness at being honored by the festival’s organizers and being present in the “struggling” province of Khenchela, wishing success to all participating troupes in the festival’s activities.
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National Children’s Theater Festival in Khenchela
