Arab Theatre Festival promotes peace and rejects violence

January 13, 2026 / 9:45 PM

Sharjah 24: Lebanese director Julia Kassar has stated that the play “Picnic on the Frontlines” encourages audiences to reject the violence Lebanon experienced during past conflicts. She noted that the play’s author, Raymond Jabbara, wrote it 26 years ago during a period of peace and reconstruction, presenting it as a message for future generations to avoid repeating the cycle of violence.

Significance of the Arab Theatre Festival

Kassar described the Arab Theatre Festival as a particularly meaningful event, highlighting her participation in previous editions in various roles: as an organiser for the festival’s third edition in Beirut, as an actress for a Lebanese production, and now as a director for its 16th edition in Egypt. She also emphasized Lebanon’s return to the festival after a 14-year absence.

High-quality productions and emerging talent

Kassar added to "Sharjah 24" that the participating works represent some of the finest Arab theatre productions. The selections were made by a high-level viewing committee, and she praised the quality of performances, particularly from young artists full of creativity and ambition.