The 24th edition is opening the curtain to amazing performances, including “L’fichta,” which brings humor, depth, and sharp commentary to the festival’s attendees. 

Casablanca – The 24th National Theater Festival in Tetouan and Tangier is well underway, and it’s already been a whirlwind of captivating performances, cultural exchanges, and artistic brilliance. 

From November 22 to 29, the city transforms into Morocco’s theatrical capital, offering a rich program that highlights the power of storytelling and creative expression.

Curtains up on Tetouan

Held in the picturesque city of Tetouan, the festival boasts a packed schedule of performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges, showcasing the vitality of Moroccan theater.

The opening ceremony was graced by notable figures, including Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Abderzak El Manssouri, Governor of Tetouan Province, and Yi Youlin, President of the Chinese Scenography Commission. 

Minister Bensaid highlighted, during the ceremony, the crucial role of theater in preserving Morocco’s cultural identity emphasizing its place as a key pillar within a vibrant and evolving creative ecosystem.

This year’s edition of the festival celebrates Moroccan theater in all its diversity. 

The National Theater Festival has always been a beacon for Morocco’s artistic talent, bringing together playwrights, actors, and theater enthusiasts from across the nation. This year’s 24th edition is no exception. 

What’s on the theatrical line up

This year’s festival features 12 main stage productions, alongside 4 open-air performances in Tetouan’s central Feddan Square and 5 parallel shows under the “Première Mise en Scène” section. 

The program also includes 5 special performances at the Riyad Sultan Theater in Tangier, highlighting the festival’s regional reach.

In addition to performances, the event offers workshops, training sessions for young artists, and a conference series exploring the role of scenography in Moroccan theater. 

This event will also feature an intellectual conference under the theme “The Set Designer and the Issues of Theatrical Creation in Morocco,” which will be divided into four sessions which cover the relationships between the set designer and director, the audience, the playwright and the actor.  

A show that stole the spotlight

Theater lovers were treated to “L’fichta” (translated to festival), a daring and imaginative play that has become a favorite in Morocco’s theater scene. 

Directed by Amine Nasseur and featuring a stellar cast, “L’fichta” uses absurdity and comedy to explore societal themes of political oppression, resistance, and the fight for justice,  blending humor with sharp social commentary.

The plot centers around a whimsical Pacha’s annual extravaganza, disrupted by the bold defiance of Hadda, Zerwala, and the Pacha’s valet, Berwal. 

The story pushes boundaries, challenging power dynamics and leaving audiences with plenty to reflect on.

This wasn’t “L’fichta’s” first triumph. After successful runs in Casablanca and Rabat, the Tetouan audience warmly welcomed it, adding to the play’s growing reputation as a modern masterpiece.

Honoring Moroccan theater icons

Artistic director Mahmoud Chahdi emphasized, in an interview with MAP, the festival’s focus on archiving Moroccan theater history and its mission to nurture emerging talent. 

Furthermore, the event offers young creators a platform to showcase their work, alongside opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals.

Tributes to veteran artists like Mohamed Choubi and Mohamed Derham were highlights of the festival. 

Choubi expressed his gratitude for the recognition, in an interview with MAP, calling it a celebration of all generations of Moroccan theater, while Derham hailed the festival as a long-awaited dream for Moroccan cultural actors.

Tetouan’s cultural stage

For one week, Tetouan will be more than a city – it’s the beating heart of Moroccan theater. 

Beyond its artistic program, the National Theater Festival positions Tetouan as a cultural hub, drawing national and international attention to the richness of the North African country’s art scene.

With its vibrant performances, intellectual exchanges, and heartfelt tributes, the 24th edition of the festival is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in Moroccan culture.