The regional qualifiers for the Mohamed Jem Theater Prize for Youth kicked off on Wednesday at the youth center in Tan-Tan. This event, organized by the regional branch of the Friends of Mohamed Jem Theater Association in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, will take place over two days.
Three theater groups representing the Tan-Tan and Sidi Ifni provinces are competing in these regional qualifiers, which are held in partnership with the regional directorate for youth in Guelmim-Oued Noun, in coordination with the provincial directorate for youth in Tan-Tan.
The plays in competition are “Alley of Love” by the Sons of Tomorrow Cultural and Artistic Association and “Hamam Al-Khala” by the Tan-Tan Arts Association (Tan-Tan province), along with “The Screaming Sieve” by the Hope Theater and Cinema Club (Sidi Ifni province).
During these qualifiers, one play will be selected to represent the Guelmim-Oued Noun region at the upcoming fourth national festival for youth theater (the Mohamed Jem Theater Prize – 13th edition), which will be held from May 4 to 10 in Rabat, organized by the Friends of Mohamed Jem Theater Association in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (Youth Sector).
The regional qualifiers began with a performance of “Alley of Love,” written and directed by Mustafa Belhan, which tells the dramatic story of a troubled painter named Hassan, who lives in a poor neighborhood and finds solace only in the alley where he expresses his feelings. His inner struggles stem from his love for a girl who left him years ago.
These qualifiers will continue tomorrow, Thursday, with the presentations of “Hamam Al-Khala” by Ahmed Salem Rahal and “The Screaming Sieve” by Youssef Boumarah.
Abdel Aziz Nafeh, the president of the regional branch of the Friends of Mohamed Jem Theater Association in Guelmim-Oued Noun, stated in a comment to the Maghreb Arab News Agency that the aim of such cultural events is to promote theater not only as an artistic tool but also as an educational instrument capable of enhancing the capacities of youth and imparting skills and values that positively shape their personalities.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among the sectors concerned with youth to activate their role and create dynamism within these institutions, given their educational significance.
For his part, Mustafa Biouki, responsible for communication at the provincial directorate for youth in Tan-Tan, highlighted the importance of this cultural event aimed at contributing to the development of theatrical culture among youth, fostering theatrical dynamism, enhancing theatrical practices within youth centers, and encouraging pioneering experiences in theater.
