Tripoli – The 13th session of the National Festival for Theatrical Arts at the Al-Kashaf Theater in Tripoli witnessed wide participation from theater groups from various Libyan cities, amid a remarkable public attendance and artistic interaction that reflected the audience’s passion for theater.
In a survey conducted by the Libyan News Agency (WAL) with a number of artists participating in the festival, artists and theater directors praised the level of performance in the various theatrical shows, considering it a new start for Libyan theater and a great opportunity for theater artists from different regions of Libya to meet.
Mohamed Fakhri: “This session is a qualitative leap and a boost for theatrical talents”
Director Mohamed Fakhri, director of the play “Auntie Al-Dhawiya” from the Benghazi Popular Theater Troupe, said that his participation in this session is his first in the National Festival for Theatrical Arts, hoping that it has been well-received by the audience and the organizing committee.
Fakhri explained that the thirteenth session represents a positive shift compared to previous editions, despite some observations, praising the festival administration’s efforts in supporting the theater groups and facilitating their participation.
He added that one of the most prominent positives this year is the participation of new theater groups that have not previously appeared in such events, considering this as evidence of the expansion of the theatrical movement and the growing interest in young talents.
Ashraf Al-Obeidi: “The great theatrical gathering brought us together from the east, west, and south”
Artist Ashraf Al-Obeidi from the Zawayah Theater Troupe in Benghazi expressed his happiness to participate in the festival with the play “Live Broadcast,” written and directed by Mohamed Al-Sadiq, noting that the show dealt with contemporary social issues in a “black comedy” style.
Al-Obeidi said: “Our real prize was the audience’s interaction and the appreciation of the work by critics and intellectuals,” adding that the festival was an opportunity for artists from different regions of Libya to meet in an atmosphere of love and harmony, stressing that “theater has always and will continue to unite Libyans under the single word of art and creativity.”
Mohamed Al-Hunaid: “A great gain for emerging talents and the exchange of experiences”
For his part, actor Mohamed Al-Hunaid described his participation with the Ashya’a Theater and Arts Troupe in the play “Darna” as a rich and important experience in his artistic career.
Al-Hunaid said that the festival, for him as an emerging actor, provided an opportunity to learn about new artistic experiences through the performances and accompanying seminars, praising the collective spirit that brought together artists from different cities.
He added: “The most beautiful thing about the festival is that it re-established communication between artists from all over Libya, and proved that art unites us despite all challenges.”
Ayman Nahoul: “We need theaters that can accommodate the art-loving audience”
In turn, artist Ayman Nahoul affirmed that the festival formed a sophisticated artistic space that brought together creators from the east, west, and south of the country, praising the level of the performances presented this year.
Nahoul said: “We hope the festival continues regularly every year, and that the performances are held in well-equipped theaters that can accommodate this large audience, which has proven its love for theatrical art.”
The theater groups participating in the festival unanimously agreed that the current session has revived Libyan theater and opened the way for emerging groups to showcase their talents and artistic creations.