Tunis: The Tunisian play 'Al-Haribat' (The Runaways), directed by Wafa Tabboubi, won the Golden Tanit at the closing of the 26th Carthage Theatre Days, which concluded on Saturday evening with a ceremony held at the Chedli Klibi Opera House in the City of Culture.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of artists and creators from Tunisia, across the Arab and African world, and theatre enthusiasts. 'Al-Haribat' also won two other awards: Best Actress, awarded to Lobna Noomen, and Best Script, awarded to Wafa Tabboubi. This marks Tabboubi's second Golden Tanit at Carthage Theatre Days, following her 2021 win with the play 'Akher Marra' (Last Time) at the 22nd edition.
The Silver Tanit was awarded to the play 'Al-Jidar' (The Wall), directed by Sinan Mohsin al-Azzawi from Iraq, while the Bronze Tanit went to 'Jacaranda', directed by Nizar Saidi from Tunisia. During the closing ceremony, awards were also presented to academician Mohamed Masoud Idris, actor Abdelhamid Guayas, actress-director Leila Toubal, and actress Aziza Boulabiar.
Twelve theatrical works competed in this edition, representing Tunisia, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, UAE, Jordan, C´te d'Ivoire, and Senegal. The jury was chaired by Tunisian Lassaad Ben Abdallah and included members Imed El May (Tunisia), Sadaa al-Daas (Kuwait), Malik Aggoun (Algeria), Abdon Fortun© (Congo), and Thamer Al-Arbid (Syria).
Mounir Argui, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 26th Carthage Theatre Days, emphasized that this edition served as a vibrant space for creativity and dialogue and coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, reaffirming the festival's support for the Palestinian cause. He noted that the edition featured a variety of performances and important events, including the first International Theatre Forum and the continuation of the 'Theatre of Freedom' section, which showcased works produced by prison units and rehabilitation centers, in addition to organizing training workshops for youth and providing a platform for creators from different countries to meet.
Argui praised the public attendance throughout the festival, considering it the true sponsor of the event. He officially announced the closing of the edition and called for preparations to begin for the next edition.