In a colourful and fabulous universe that takes us back to childhood, puppets of all shapes and colours occupied the various areas of the Tunis City of Culture on Saturday evening, where the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the Carthage Puppetry Arts Days (JAMC) took place. This festival, dedicated to the art of puppetry, began with shows open to the public and a parade of giant puppets, much to the delight of the many children who were curious to discover each puppet set up in the central hall of the city, which also hosted a puppet exhibition and sale. The Tunisian and Palestinian national anthems were played at the inauguration of the JAMC at the ThéStre des Régions in the presence of diplomats and around a hundred children carrying the flags of the two countries. The gesture symbolises Tunisia's position in favour of the Palestinian cause and people. This year's event sends messages that testify to Tunisia's firm commitment to support the Palestinians," said Monia Messaadi, chairperson of the JAMC steering committee and the National Centre of Puppetry Arts, which organises the annual event. She also mentioned the presence of Italy, Guest of Honour at the JAMC, in recognition of the great tradition of puppetry in that country. She said Italy's participation demonstrated the importance of partnership and cultural exchanges, as well as the cultural and historical links between Tunisia and Italy. The 2024 edition of JAMC will run until February 10, under the theme "Puppetry, Art and Life". The festival pays tribute to the Tunisian artists LassaSd Mehouachi (1960-2023) and Moncef El Kateb. The poster features a puppet in the likeness of Youssef, the Palestinian child martyred in the Gaza war. International troupes from 19 countries, more than a hundred puppeteers and 55 shows are on the days' programme. This is besides nine Tunisian shows and three Italian shows (L'enfance D'Orlando, Pinocchio and Cuisiner avec les pieds). The festival will take place at the City of Culture, the Salle du 4ème art in Tunis, Dar al-Masrahi in Bardo and the S.O.S children's village in Gammarth, as well as other venues outside the capital.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse