The 24th edition of the Carthage Theatre Festival (JTC) on Saturday evening opened curtains in various venues across the capital.
A Spanish performance entitled “Finale” was presented on the facade of the Tunis Municipal Theatre, where the official opening ceremony took place.
Tunisian Sonia Youni and Jordanian of Palestinian origin Dalel Fayadh were the hosts of the ceremony.
The programme at the Opera Theatre in the Tunis City of Culture, where the last four editions of the JTC were held, featured a show by American director Robert Wilson, “Jungle Book.”
A second performance of this show, representing France, is scheduled for December 3.
In solidarity with the Palestinian people, the festivities have been cancelled this year for both the opening and closing ceremonies. A reading of Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry was given by Tunisian actor Raouf ben Amor.
In his speech at the opening of the JTC, artistic director and president of the organising committee for this year’s event Moez Mrabet said: “The JTC has
always been and will continue to be a defender of the causes of truth, justice and human dignity wherever they may be, including the Palestinian cause. Yes, we are with you until you become a homeland, as the great poet Mahmud Darwish predicted.”
He said: “With theatre we live, with art we resist,” adding “we proudly raise this slogan to sum up the theme of the current session of the festival.”
Posthumous tributes were paid to Tunisian figures in the 4th art: Moncef Charfedine, Mohamed Kadous Abdelghani Ben Tara, Rim Hamrouni and Lassaad Mehwachi.
Man of theatre and former Minister of Culture Abderraouf Basti, actor Houcine Mahnouch and actress Nejia Ouerghi were honoured alongside 6 figures from Arab and African theatre, including renowned Lebanese actor and director Roger Assaf and his compatriot, actress and playwright Hanan Haj Ali, Iranian actor Amin Zendakni and his compatriot, actress Elham Hamidi, Malian puppeteer Yaya Coulibaly and Egyptian journalist and theatre teacher Hala Sarhan.
The JTC’s of
ficial competition features 11 shows (11) in addition to 24 parallel performances (24), produced by professional Tunisian, Arab and African theatres.
The plays in the running for the Tanits represent Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.
The jury for the official competition is headed by Tunisian Wahid EssaSfi, along with Pierre Abi Saab (Lebanon), João Branco (Cape Verde), Naima Zitan (Morocco) and Odile Katese (Rwanda).
The JTC will run from December 2 to 10 in various venues, with a selection of 62 shows from 28 countries.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse
Addis Ababa, the coastal counties of Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River in Kenya are facing a critical situation due to severe flooding caused by recent heavy rains. The region, overwhelmed by floodwaters, has seen residents forced to evacuate as their homes and properties were destroyed.
According to Kenya News Agency, The Kenya Red Cross Society’s coastal region is urgently calling for humanitarian assistance to support 1,224 individuals affected by these unprecedented floods. Hassan Musa, the regional manager, outlined the efforts made by the Red Cross in providing essential aid to those in 42 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the affected areas.
Musa reported that, with support from county governments, the Red Cross has distributed food, kitchen sets, blankets, tarpaulins, sleeping mats, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and water disinfectants. However, the needs of the flood victims remain acute, with necessities like food, medicine, and clean water in high demand.
With more rains forecasted, the situation is critical, especially given the heightened risk of water-borne diseases and a potential food crisis. Musa highlighted the increasing risks of cholera and malaria, with cases already reported in Tana River and Lamu counties. Relief supplies are being airlifted and transported by water to these hard-hit areas.
He urged residents living near the River Tana and other flood-prone zones to relocate to safer areas to prevent further disasters. Many, especially in remote locations, have yet to receive substantial aid and require food, medication, mattresses, and blankets.
During a press briefing in Kwale County, Musa emphasized that the ongoing El Niño weather phenomenon continues to inflict significant damage across the coastal region. This phenomenon has led to rising temperatures and exacerbated extreme weather events, including severe droughts and catastrophic flooding.
The Red Cross is actively involved in rescue and evacuation operations, particularly in the Tana Delta sub-county of Tana River, where the flooding has been particularly devastating. The impact on agriculture is severe, with extensive farmland washed away, food reserves and crops destroyed, and livestock depletion.
Musa assured that the Red Cross is working tirelessly to maintain the IDP camps, focusing on ensuring they are fumigated and equipped with necessary amenities to provide a habitable environment for the affected families.
The National El Niño Steering Committee reported that the floods have resulted in 120 fatalities, with Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera being the worst affected. Counties such as Isiolo, Kwale, Homabay, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Meru, and Kisumu remain on high alert due to the ongoing crisis.