Among the theatre troupes invited to perform this weekend on the stage of the Figuig International Theatre Festival is the troupe from the National Centre for Dramatic and Scenic Arts of Le Kef, Tunisia. Twenty years of existence, practice, and professionalism. This significant experience has also been enriched by a theatrical tradition spanning nearly forty-seven years. The Le Kef region, located 160 km from the capital, is, in fact, known for the enthusiasm of its young people for culture in general, and theatre in particular. It was there that a certain Mouncif Souissi founded one of the country's most famous troupes in 1966.

It is therefore no coincidence that their performance is highly anticipated by theatre enthusiasts in the Oriental region. "Tark Assalij" or "When tongues are cut" is the title of the play, which draws on Tunisian popular heritage. It is a remarkable presence. Skilled and experienced actors. The space is semi-dark. Labyrinths and corridors with no real exit. A renewal of the means and methods used. A very advanced artistic vision.

The story is conveyed subtly through actions, movements, gestures, and simple, meaningful dialogue. Characters who arrange to meet, but never actually encounter one another. A life marked by suffering, sadness, and misfortune that borders on tragedy. A game of life and death. Prisoners of conscience, they are informed that the death penalty, a sentence they must endure, has been postponed to an indefinite date. They return to the dungeons to be persecuted and tortured once again. Yet, the characters persist and stand their ground. They want to live, they cling to the glimmer of a promising hope, and they radiate this love for life.

In addition to "Tark Assalij", fans of this pioneering genre were able to enjoy three other plays, namely "La Vie en rose" by the Spanish troupe "El gran cameleon teatro", "Azzouhri" (The Lucky One) by the Assalam troupe for theatre and art in Oujda, and finally "The Hyena of the Ergs", a Libyan play.

Sunday was also marked by a conference on "Shows and Moroccan popular culture", hosted by Zhour Ibrahim, Mohamed Hamidi, and Salaheddine Jebbari…