Rabat Festival of Women Theatre Directors Features Six Artists
Overview
Six women directors from Egypt, Spain, Greece, Morocco and France presented plays at the Jassad international festival, a festival of women theatre directors in Rabat. The fourth edition ran from October 27 to 30, and its plays dealt with family ties, alienation, political memory and the aftermath of war.
Key Highlights
- The fourth Jassad festival ran from October 27 to 30 in Rabat.
- Six women directors took part.
- Plays came from Egypt, Spain, Greece, Morocco and France.
- Partners included Morocco’s Culture Ministry and the UN gender equality agency.
What Happened?
The Jassad festival brought together six directors who staged plays on contemporary themes. Egyptian director Nour Ismail presented “Good Night, Mother,” which follows a tense relationship between a daughter and her mother in the final hour of the daughter’s life. Greek director Natalia Georgosopoulou staged “Ulrike – Letters from the Dead Wing,” built on letters written by German journalist Ulrike Meinhof during her imprisonment. Spanish director Lola Botello’s play features two women in red jackets who deliver monologues about their lives, identities and regrets.
Why Is It Important?
Organisers say the festival of women theatre directors in Rabat aims to open the way for more varied stories on stage. Ismail said women are often defined by stereotypes before anyone sees what they can do. “Women directors, women artists and performers in general can change people’s perspective amid the wars taking place around the world,” she said.
Impact and Implications
For Ismail, even a small shift counts. She said she hopes her work can change what one audience member thinks. Georgosopoulou said that with so much happening in the world, it is important to rediscover strength. Botello said theatre depends on people being human and present in the world.
What Happens Next?
This edition also included training workshops and panel sessions with audiences, which gave the six directors a chance to discuss their work directly with the public.
