By Iman Zayat

-Tunis-

The Carthage Theatre Days (JTC) winded up yesterday, the 22nd of November, 2009 at the Municipal Theatre in the capital Tunis.

Organised bi-annually by the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and Safeguard of Heritage, Carthage Theatre Days is one of the most well-established theatre festivals in the Arab World. The event presents a diverse mix of Arab and international theatre productions in addition to programme of parallel activities including seminars, talks and workshops.

The 14th edition coincided with the centenary of the Tunisian theatre, the celebration of “Kairouan, Capital of Islamic culture 2009”, and the 100 anniversary of Tunisian poet Abu Qassim Chebbi. Throughout 10 days, the public enjoyed several performances, even as theatre professionals and enthusiasts attended a number of workshops, and meetings.

In the presence of the Tunisian Minister of Culture, and the Safeguard of Heritage, Mr Abderraouf Basti, and the Director of the Carthage Theatre Days 2009, Mr. Mohammed Idriss, the closing ceremony was transformed into an occasion to pay homage to 41 artists and theatre professionals.

Since its launch in 1983, the JTC has always honored artists who contributed to the success of the event and the radiation of theatre in Tunisia, the Arab world, Africa, and the West.

The share of the lion went to Tunisian actors as 27 actors, notably Taoufik Boughdir, a pioneer of Tunisian theatrical criticism, Ezzeddine Kraouchi, Taoufik Achour, Chedly Zaara, Rchid Gara, Anissa Lotfi, Alia Tounsi, Hamadi Ben Othman, Latifa Gafsi and Amel Safta, were honored.

The Organization of the Arab Woman (OFA) chaired by Tunisia's First Lady, Mrs. Leila Ben Ali, honored the brilliant Syrian artist, Raghda Chaarani, Director of “Ti Amo”, which received the emblematic trophy of the OFA.

On the occasion, Mrs. Chaarani noted, "It is an honour for me to be among the Tunisian people at the end of this great cultural event. All my gratitude and my recognition go to Mrs. Leila Ben Ali for honouring me and for all the efforts she deploys in favour of Arab Women".

Among the honoured Arab actors, are Iraqis Raed Mohse and Akil Mahdi Aref, Algerian Ayed Zayen Cherif, Palestinian George Ibrahim, Jordanian Hakim Harb, Syrian Asaad Fidha, and Emirati Abdallah Al Rached.

Tunisian Halima Daoud said, "This homage will instigate a new juncture in my career and will encourage me to move ahead the path of creativity”. She announced, on the occasion, that she is working on two theatrical productions that will be staged very soon in theatre rooms in Tunisia.

-Alarabonline-

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IZ