Karbala Theater Festival Honors Ali Abdul Nabi Al-Zaidi

Iraqi playwright Ali Abdul Nabi Al-Zaidi has been awarded first prize at the fourth Karbala International Theatre Festival, a ten-day event organised by the Al-Abbas Holy Shrine. The festival’s theatrical texts competition recognised Al-Zaidi’s work, awarding him top honours among submissions reviewed by a specialised panel of judges.

Al-Zaidi’s winning piece takes an innovative approach to the historical events of Karbala, reimagining the narrative through a contemporary lens. The play revisits the profound themes of sacrifice, morality, and societal integrity, offering insights into their relevance today amid widespread challenges to ethical values. By intertwining history with the present, Al-Zaidi’s work speaks powerfully to audiences, inspiring reflections on the state of modern society.

A prominent figure in Iraqi theatre, Al-Zaidi has contributed significantly to the field through his research and published studies in Iraqi and Arab media since the early 1990s. His work has garnered numerous awards and has been translated into English and French, allowing him to share Iraq’s rich cultural heritage with a global audience. The Karbala International Theatre Festival continues to champion such voices, bringing Iraq’s dynamic theatrical tradition to centre stage.