Algerian Radio
The first edition of the Algerian-African University Theater Festival (running from July 13 to 20), organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Arts, began on Monday at the Mahieddine Bachtarzi National Theater of Algeria (TNA) in Algiers, with the participation of 16 African nations.
The official opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari, in the presence of the Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Mr. Boualem Chebihi, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of African Affairs, Mrs. Selma Bakhta Mansouri, alongside several ambassadors accredited to Algeria, directors of various Algerian institutes and universities, students, and delegations participating in this continental showcase.
Placed under the slogan "Africa Meets on the Stage of University Theater," this first edition will feature theatrical plays both in and out of the official competition, as well as street theater performances. It sees the participation of university institutions from 16 African nations, including Mauritania, Mozambique, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.
The festival committee has also scheduled an African university competition for the "best theatrical script," alongside an international colloquium on African theater organized by the University of Algiers 2.
This festival aims to "unite African youth who believe in theater as an art form that brings together the diversity and richness of the continent within the university, acting as an incubator for the creativity of African youth." This African cultural event also reflects "Algeria's determination to solidify its African dimension through university theater, opening a window onto Africa's cultural, artistic, and literary heritage, while offering an opportunity for exchange among the continent's talented and creative university youth," according to the organizers.
