Baghdad International Theatre Festival Opens 5th Edition

Under the patronage of the Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and the supervision of the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Professor Dr Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, the Cinema and Theatre Department inaugurated the fifth edition of the Baghdad International Theatre Festival on Tuesday evening. The event, titled the “Dr Shafiq Al-Mahdi Edition,” was launched at the National Theatre under the theme “Theatre Illuminates Life.”

The festival, taking place from 10-18 December, was attended by the Prime Minister’s Advisor and Director-General of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Dr Aref Al-Saadi; Director-General of the Cinema and Theatre Department, Dr Jabbar Joudi; Director-General of the Department of Cultural Relations, Professor Dr Alaa Abu Al-Hassan; and Director-General of the Conference Palace Department, Dr Muntasser Al-Hassnawi, alongside an esteemed and distinguished audience.

Dr Aref Al-Saadi, the cultural advisor to the Prime Minister, delivered a speech on behalf of the Prime Minister, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the festival. He noted that the festival’s opening coincided with the announcement of Baghdad being named the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2025. Dr Al-Saadi also emphasised the importance of cultural tourism in Iraq, which is significantly enriched by the contributions of artists and intellectuals.

Dr Jabbar Joudi highlighted the festival’s importance, describing it as a cornerstone on the map of regional festivals, especially with the attendance of over 280 guests from theatrical troupes. He added that the festival’s awards were meticulously crafted by the renowned Iraqi designer Ahmed Al-Bahrani, and that the participating performances were selected with great precision.

The festival features participants from several countries, including Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Italy, Tunisia, and Morocco. Its programme includes various segments, such as a tribute to Dr Salah Al-Qasab for his lifetime achievements and artistic journey, a recognition of the family of the late Dr Shafiq Al-Mahdi, and honours for several theatrical artists.

The opening ceremony showcased an operetta titled Tigris and Euphrates, written and directed by Diaa Al-Din Sami and performed by theatre students from the Institute of Fine Arts and the Academy of Fine Arts. Over the course of the festival, 16 theatrical performances will be staged, including seven Arabic and international plays.

The Baghdad International Theatre Festival continues to position itself as a vital platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression, reaffirming Iraq’s role as a hub of creativity and innovation in the Arab world and beyond.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities