National Theatre Festival Tétouan – Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid
Tétouan: Official Opening of the National Theater Festival in Tétouan
The 25th edition of the National Theater Festival officially opened on Friday evening at the Spanish Cinema Theater in Tétouan, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
This significant event, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (Culture Department), in partnership with the Tétouan province, kicked off with a moving ceremony featuring tributes to several iconic figures of Moroccan theater, the introduction of the jury, and the announcement of the competing works.
A Festival Celebrating the Brilliance of Moroccan Theater
In his address, Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid described this edition as “exceptional,” recalling that it takes place during a significant national context, coinciding with the celebration of the Unity Fest and the 50th anniversary of the Green March.
The theater, he emphasized, serves as a privileged witness to the economic, social, and cultural development of the Kingdom.
The minister highlighted the momentum driven by HM King Mohammed VI as part of the extensive modernization efforts in the country, which today enable Morocco to consolidate its regional and international influence.
He also asserted that this festival represents much more than just an artistic gathering:
it is a celebration of the Moroccan theatrical renaissance, led by a new generation of artists who possess a strong aesthetic consciousness and an innovative vision.
Ministry’s Commitment to Supporting Creation and Modernizing Infrastructure
Mr. Bensaid reiterated his department’s commitment to supporting research, creativity, and the professionalization of the sector through:
modernizing theaters and performance spaces,
assisting cultural transformations,
opening new venues for young talents,
implementing a new support system based on a specifications document and a participatory approach.
According to him, this new dynamic aims to build a real cultural industry, capable of meeting current challenges, supporting professional theatrical production, and enhancing the attractiveness of the national cultural landscape.
A Festival Focused on Youth and Creativity
Mr. Bensaid emphasized that the ministry is working to enhance support for theater professionals while creating new opportunities for Moroccan youth.
The theater represents, in his view, one of the pillars of a culturally strong society, fostering dialogue between generations and showcasing Morocco’s social diversity.
A Rich, Varied Program Open to the General Public
The festival director, Yassine Ahjam, highlighted a rich program that combines shows, workshops, intellectual discussions, and exhibitions.
The audience will be able to discover the section “Creative Maqamat”, dedicated to poetry, visual arts, and music.
Twelve plays have been selected for the official competition, competing for:
the National Theater Award,
written and directed awards,
set design,
costume design,
male and female performances,
The Hope Award,
and the Grand Prize of the festival.
The competing plays include:
“Tkharchich” (Fes), “Adanas” (Khouribga), “Mouwatine Iqtisadi” (Tétouan), “Al Harraz” (Rabat), “Rihla” (Sala Al Jadida), among others.
An Open, Inclusive, and Committed Edition
In addition to the competing performances, the festival offers:
non-competitive performances,
plays designed for children,
as well as performances for inmates of the local Tétouan prison, reinforcing the social and inclusive dimension of the event.
This 25th edition will run until November 21, confirming Tétouan as a true cultural platform for Moroccan theater.
