The festival, organised by the Chamat troupe, paid tribute during the opening ceremony to a group of actors and directors from the Ismaili city, in particular Driss Rokh, actress Wassila Sobhi, and actor Abdelhak Belmjahed.
The festival director, Bousselham Daef, told MAP that this cultural event constitutes a platform for dialogue between theatre professionals, through performances in several iconic spaces of this centuries-old city.
He added that "the challenge is not to create theatrical and cultural entertainment, but rather to rehabilitate the city of Meknès" and to offer a platform for training young people in the field of theatre and for meetings between theatre enthusiasts in Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world.
Thus, the public will discover theatrical experiences from Burkina Faso, France, Spain, Tunisia, Syria, and Iraq, in addition to Morocco.
The programme also includes training workshops in theatre and stage arts, in addition to open meetings, including those with writer and novelist Rachid Ben Zein and Iraqi director Kadem Nasser.
The opening ceremony of the festival, organised in partnership with the Meknès commune, the Meknès provincial council, and the Fès-Meknès regional council, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, was marked by several artistic performances and the presentation of the play "Jidar" by the Terre de Chaouen des Cultures troupe.
In statements on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, actor Belmjahed expressed his joy at being present at this festival, stressing that Meknès remains the city of theatre par excellence.
He added that the tribute paid to him will enrich his artistic career.
Driss Rokh, for his part, affirmed that this festival is a true recognition for the inhabitants of the city of Meknès, adding that this city has given and continues to give to creators and "provides the world with a great artistic and creative map in all fields".
Actress Wissal Sobhi declared herself "very happy" with this tribute during the opening ceremony of the Meknès International Festival, stressing that it is a "great responsibility" for the artist who is called upon to work hard to create while respecting the public.
