Amman: Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh on Monday evening inaugurated the fourth edition of the Amateur Theatre Festival on the main stage of the Royal Cultural Center in Amman. The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Jordanian Artists Syndicate and with participation from the Arab Theatre Institute.
According to Jordan News Agency, the opening ceremony was attended by the Ministry's Secretary-General Nidal Al Ahmad, Jordanian Artists Syndicate President and director Mohammad Youssef Al-Abadi, Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute, writer Ismail Abdullah, and Director of Theatre and Visual Arts Directorate, director Ishaq Yassin.
In his speech, Rawashdeh expressed pride in the partnership with the Arab Theatre Institute, describing it as one of Sharjah's initiatives that demonstrates openness to the Arab cultural scene and creates space for intellectual and critical dialogue. He emphasized the festival's role in nurturing new talent crucial for the development of theatre and highlighted the increasing number of university graduates enhancing the theatrical scene with fresh knowledge and training.
Rawashdeh further noted that amateur theatre serves as a key educational and cultural tool, fostering ethical awareness, dialogue, tolerance, self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and creativity among younger generations. He pointed out that the festival is part of the Ministry's programs to promote theatrical awareness and culture across all governorates, reflecting societal demand for theatre and providing employment opportunities for youth.
To bolster the theatrical scene, the Ministry has expanded arts training, establishing 14 arts centers across cities, towns, rural areas, and camps, with plans to increase these further. This expansion is partly in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth in areas such as Salt, Mafraq, and Madaba.
Director Al-Abadi praised the vibrant cultural and intellectual life in Amman and the sustained momentum of Jordanian theatre. He highlighted the collaboration between the Ministry, the Artists Association, and the Arab Theatre Organization in advancing theatre in Jordan.
Writer Ismail Abdullah noted the festival as a testament to patience and perseverance, marking the return of amateur theatre after a hiatus since 2012. He explained the cooperative efforts to relaunch the free theatre project, which has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but aims to strengthen the theatrical movement and cultural development in Jordan.
The festival opened with performances by the Irbid Theatre Group and the Ajloun Theatre Group, among others. The week-long event will feature multiple plays from theatre groups across various governorates, concluding with a closing ceremony and award announcements.
The initiative aims to develop theatre in Jordanian governorates by training and mentoring amateur youth through specialized workshops, establishing local theatre groups, and preparing for a national festival. It reflects the Ministry's vision and collaboration with the Arab Theatre Institute, supporting theatre expansion and sustainability in Jordan and the wider region.