Opening of the 4th Jassad International Festival of Women Directors in Rabat

Rabat – The 4th edition of the Jassad International Festival of Women Directors opened Tuesday evening at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, in the presence of a host of prominent figures from the arts community.

Organized by the Théâtre Aquarium company, this festival (October 27-30) is based on the firm belief that the development of the theatrical landscape depends on the diversity of experiences and the exchange of expertise, the strengthening of women’s presence in theatrical directing, and the establishment of a link between artistic creation, criticism, and research.

The festival also aims to provide a space for professional exchange, broaden the dialogue between theatre and society, and enhance Rabat’s openness to international experiences.

In a speech delivered for the occasion, the Festival Director, Naima Zitan, emphasized that theater is not merely a spectacle to be watched, but a space for encounters, exchanges, and the sharing of current issues.

Celebrating female directors, she added, is celebrating women’s right to see the world through their own eyes, to reshape it on stage, and not to be confined to the role of a mere character in a story written by others.

The festival’s opening ceremony was marked by a tribute to the Moroccan artist and actress Amal Benhaddou, in recognition of her rich artistic career and in recognition of the festival’s ongoing commitment to promoting pioneering female artistic endeavors.

The audience also enjoyed a performance of the Egyptian play “Goodnight Mother” by the independent theater company “Nour de Théâtre,” directed by Nour Ismail.

This work, adapted from a text by American playwright Marsha Norman, focuses on the complex relationship between a mother and her daughter, retracing the last hour of the daughter’s life through an expressive staging that relies heavily on body language.

This 4th edition of the Festival features six performances from five countries (Morocco, Egypt, France, Greece, and Spain), offering audiences the opportunity to discover diverse artistic and expressive approaches from a female perspective.

The Festival program also includes a symposium on “Women in Theatre Criticism,” a meeting of female directors to discuss the challenges of production, censorship, and professional development, and a masterclass led by actress and research professor Mouna Belghali.