Al-Rawashdeh: Theater plays an important role in documenting the national narrative
Zarqa Summer Festival continues its activities
Amman3 min read
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The 24th edition of the Zarqa Summer Theater Festival continues in the city of Zarqa, with the participation of theater troupes from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Iraq, Palestine, and Tunisia, in an event that brings together Arab theatrical experiences and opens the door for dialogue and the exchange of expertise among theater professionals.
The festival's activities kicked off at the Poet Habib Al-Zyoudi Theater at the King Abdullah II Cultural Center in Zarqa, under the patronage of Minister of Culture Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh, and in the presence of Zarqa Deputy Governor Dr. Salah Al-Hashim, Zarqa Director of Culture Mohammed Al-Zoubi, Head of the Jordanian Artists Association Hani Al-Jarrah, Festival Director Khaled Al-Maslamani, and a number of representatives of cultural bodies and institutions and participating theatrical delegations.
During the opening ceremony, Al-Rawashdeh emphasized that theater, as the "father of the arts," plays an enlightening and awareness-raising role in elevating consciousness, enriching dialogue, and raising questions that touch upon society's issues and aspirations, noting that art, literature, and culture constitute fundamental pillars in consolidating national identity and deepening its presence in the conscience of peoples.
He stated that Jordanian theater plays an important role in documenting the national narrative, confirming that the Zarqa Summer Festival continues its artistic and cultural journey as a space for creativity, experimentation, and interaction between Jordanian and Arab theater professionals.
Al-Rawashdeh pointed out that the festival will reach its silver jubilee in its next edition, expressing his aspiration for its continued influential presence in the theatrical scene and the consolidation of its role as a space for creativity, knowledge, and human interaction.
The head of the festival's supreme committee, artist Abeer Issa, confirmed that the Arab presence in the current edition embodies the festival's status as a forum for theatrical dialogue, the cross-pollination of artistic experiences, and the exchange of expertise, appreciating the support provided by the Ministry of Culture, the Jordanian Artists Association, Zarqa Governorate, and supporting entities.
This year, the festival honors Iraqi artist and theater director Jawad Al-Asadi and Jordanian producer Issam Al-Hijjawi, in recognition of their artistic careers and contributions to supporting creativity and nurturing theatrical and artistic talent.
The festival's jury includes Syrian artist Zinati Qudsia as president, with the membership of Egyptian artist Adel Hassan and Jordanian Dr. Najwa Qandaqji, who are responsible for evaluating the participating performances according to artistic and critical standards.
The opening ceremony, moderated by journalist Rasha Asfour, included an artistic segment presented by the Masaya troupe, a short film showcasing the participating theatrical performances, as well as the honoring of the festival's figures and members of the viewing and selection committee, artist Joyce Al-Ra'i and artist Mohammed Al-Jarrah.
The Omani theatrical performance "On the Verge of Oblivion" launched the performance program, offering a theatrical treatment of questions of humanity, memory, and oblivion, within a vision based on the specificity of the Omani theatrical experience.
The festival's activities continue until September 18, and include seminars and theatrical workshops, in addition to performances of "Bell" from Tunisia, "Children of the Earth" from Iraq, "Until Hope Fades" from Saudi Arabia, "Goods" from Palestine, and "Mirage" from Jordan.
