Khenchela – The Dar’ Association for Culture and Arts from Khenchela, Algeria, secured third place for Best Theatrical Performance at the first edition of the Franciscans International Peace Festival, held in Cairo, Egypt, from October 10 to 18, 2024, according to the association’s president and the director of the awarded performance.
In a statement to APS, Tarek Louiz, director of the winning play “Maqbara” (“The Cemetery”), confirmed that the play was honored with third place during the award ceremony on Friday night. The first prize went to “Dogs Bark at the Moon” by the Mansoura Cultural Palace troupe from Egypt, while second place was awarded to “Godot” from Jordan.
Representing Algeria at the festival, the Dar’ Association also won a special acting award for the outstanding performances of the trio: Abdallah Boumaiza (known as “Dado”), Tarek Louiz, and Jamal Badawi.
Additionally, Tarek Louiz received the second prize for Best Director for his work on the production. The play’s text was written by Ali Al-Abadi, with Salah Eddine Ben Khalifa handling the scenography, while Munir Mubarakia composed the music and designed the lighting. Jamal Rouibi was responsible for the set design.
A Story of Life, Death, and Loss
The play “Maqbara” explores the lives of three gravediggers whose relationship with death does not weigh on their psyche; instead, they find joy in their work as each new grave provides them with a livelihood. However, their perspective on death shifts when one of them loses a loved one, confronting them with the bitterness of personal loss.
Promoting Peace Through Theater
The Franciscans International Peace Festival offers a unique platform for theatrical works from across the Arab world, featuring plays that address social and political issues aimed at promoting peace and cultural understanding. This year’s edition included 14 theatrical performances from countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, and Syria.
Previous Awards and Recognition
Founded in 2022, the Dar’ Association for Culture and Arts has already garnered several awards. Last year, the group was recognized at the Zarqa International Festival in Jordan and the Sicaveneria Festival in Tunisia. Additionally, the association received the Cultural Merit Award from Soraya Mouloudji, the Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts, during her visit to Khenchela on December 30, 2023.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Algerian Theater, Franciscans Peace Festival, Dar’ Association, Cultural Diplomacy
