The Tiro Association for the Arts and the Istanbouli Theatre announces the 13th edition of the Lebanon International Theatre Festival in Beirut, which will be held from 19 to 22 September. The festival will host shows from Lebanon, the Arab world and other countries around the theme: » Theatre is a spectacle that carries the concerns of society. »
This thirteenth edition pays tribute to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, in recognition of his major contribution to the Arab theatre, notably through the creation of the Arab Theatre Institute, as well as his commitment to the preservation of Arab heritage and identity and his constant support for Arab youth.
The actor and director Kassem Istanbouli, founder of the Lebanese National Theatre, points out that « the aim of the festival is to confront the context of war in Lebanon and to reaffirm the importance of keeping the theatre open to the public in times of war and peace ».
He added: « Through the efforts of young volunteers, we continue our commitment to cultural decentralization and seek to break down imaginary barriers between the different regions of Lebanon through the arts, creating links between them through cultural spaces. We are pleased to see this dream come to life in Beirut with the creation of the Lebanese National Theatre in the historic Colosseum Cinema, after its establishment in Tyre and Tripoli. This is an important achievement for the Lebanese and Arab theatre. »
Kassem Istanbouli received the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture in Paris. He was also appointed as a Cultural Advisor to the Cultural Exchange Foundation’s Advisory Board in Boston, United States, and serves on the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy’s Board of Directors in recognition of his major role on the cultural scene in Lebanon and in the Arab world, his commitment to cultural decentralization and his efforts to make art an accessible right for all.
The UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture is one of the main international distinctions devoted to Arab culture. Created at the initiative of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, it is closely linked to a vision of culture which is also inspired by the theme of this edition of the Lebanon International Theatre Festival: » Theatre is a spectacle that carries the concerns of society. »
The jury distinguished Istanbouli for its pioneering work in the rehabilitation and reopening of several closed cinemas in Lebanon, as well as for the creation of festivals, the organization of training workshops and its contribution to the revitalization of cultural life in the country. Its action also helps to promote balanced cultural development through the creation of independent and free cultural spaces, the expansion of access to the arts, the strengthening of cultural dialogue and the international dissemination of Arab culture.
Lebanese National Theatre
