Launch of the 1st edition of the Jordanian Professional Theater Festival in Amman
Performances kick off with "Median Island"
Amman4 min read
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The activities of the first edition of the Jordanian Professional Theater Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture with the participation of seven theatrical performances accompanied by critical seminars discussing the participating experiences and opening the floor for dialogue between artists and critics, kicked off the evening before yesterday, Monday, on the main stage of the Royal Cultural Center.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Nidal Al-Ahmad, who inaugurated the festival's activities as the representative of the Minister of Culture, emphasized that the launch of the festival comes within a comprehensive vision and plan to modernize the concept of the theatrical season and develop the Jordanian theater movement, as an extension of efforts concerning children's and youth theater, contributing to enhancing the presence of theater in the national cultural scene and expanding its audience base.
In a speech during the ceremony, he pointed out that theater, as the father of all arts, forms a school for expressing human sentiment and its value and ethical system, and contributes to documenting the Jordanian national narrative and the story of the land and the human being, through artistic visions that combine the authenticity of the past, the understanding of the present, and the anticipation of the future.
He added that theater represents a fundamental pillar in cultural and creative industries and knowledge economies, due to the opportunities it provides for youth to invest their talents and energies and turn their creations into sustainable projects and sources of income, in light of the growing role of culture and creativity in societal and intellectual development.
The opening ceremony began with a minute of silence observed for the soul of the late musician and musical arranger Murad Damurdjian, who was scheduled to participate in this edition. On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Al-Ahmad offered his condolences and sympathy to the artistic community, recalling the late artist's journey full of giving and creativity, and affirming that his works will remain a living artistic legacy in the conscience of generations.
The ceremony witnessed a folkloric performance presented by the Ramtha Folk Arts Troupe on the main stage, while the participating theatrical performances kicked off with the play "Median Island" directed by Karam Al-Zawahreh.
The festival program continued yesterday, Tuesday, with the performance of the play "An Exercise in Freedom" by artist Firas Al-Masri, critiqued by Ms. Noor Al-Rawashdeh, while today witnesses the performance of the play "Waiting for Salvation" by artist Yahya Al-Bashtawi, with a critique by Mr. Rasmi Mahasneh.
On Thursday, the play "Women's Autumn" by artist Eyad Al-Rimouni will be shown, with a critique by Mr. Firas Zuqtan, while Friday will witness the performance of the play "What Cannot Be Lived" by artist Dana Abu Laban, with a critique by Ms. Joyce Al-Rai. On Saturday, the work "The Chair" by artist Majd Al-Qasas will be presented, with a critique by Mr. Mahmoud Al-Daoud, and the performances will conclude on Sunday, October 25, with the play "Universe" by artist Hisham Sweidan, and a critique by Dr. Adnan Al-Mashagbah.
The accompanying critical seminars will be held on the circular stage immediately after the end of the performances, aiming to discuss the theatrical experiences and exchange critical readings regarding them.
The Higher Committee of the festival includes the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture Dr. Nidal Al-Ahmad, the Syndicate of Jordanian Artists Dr. Hani Al-Jarrah, Dr. Mohammed Al-Shara', Dr. Najwa Qandouji, Director Mohammed Al-Damour, and Director Ishaq Yassin.
The jury was formed with artist Habis Hussein as head, and the membership of playwright and media figure Ahmad Al-Tarawneh, director Ahmad Al-Maghribi, Dr. Al-Hakim Masoud, and artist Hala Khoury.
The organization of the festival comes in the context of the Ministry of Culture's efforts to develop the Jordanian theatrical movement, enhance the presence of creative arts as a tributary to cultural awareness and societal development, and provide a space to display theatrical experiences and discuss them critically.
