At a Glance

• Kirkuk's Hawar Theater Group represents Iraq on opening day in Monastir, Tunisia.
• The 45-minute psychodrama "Behind Closed Doors" features a Kurdish lead actress.
• 15 university groups from major nations compete across the eight-day festival.
• Following Tunisia, the troupe heads to Ivanovo, Russia to perform "Salma."

Kirkuk’s acclaimed Hawar Theater Group will represent Iraq at the International University Theater Festival in Monastir, Tunisia, kicking off the global event with their Arabic-language psychodrama "Behind Closed Doors."

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Therapeutic and Social Themes: Directed by Nezhad Najm from a script by Mulla Ahmed, the 45-minute psychodrama explores the psychological roots of human violence, serving as a therapeutic performance that has already garnered four international invitations across Europe and the Arab world.
• Showcasing Academic Talent: Festival organizers emphasized that the gathering brings together top academic talent from 15 global universities, including representatives from the United States, Colombia, and the Gulf region, to foster international artistic collaboration.
• Dual Kurdish-Iraqi Representation: Troupe leadership noted that after concluding their run at al-Kitab University's showcase in Tunisia, the Hawar Group will travel to Ivanovo, Russia, to represent both Kurdistan and Iraq with their award-winning monodrama "Salma."

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Iraqi Academic Theater Opens Tunisia International Showcase

The Hawar Theater Group will take the stage on the opening day of the eight-day International University Theater Festival in Monastir, Tunisia. Performing under the banner of Iraq's al-Kitab University, the Kirkuk-based ensemble joins 15 participating university groups from major countries, including the United States, Colombia, and several Gulf nations, highlighting international academic theater capabilities.

Artistic Profile of "Behind Closed Doors"

Performed in Arabic, "Behind Closed Doors" is a 45-minute production structured around a three-person cast, centered on a lead performance by a Kurdish actress. Scripted by Mulla Ahmed with direction and scenography by Nezhad Najm, the play falls under the psychodrama genre, focusing on societal violence and psychological catharsis. Having already secured four invitations to European and Arab theater festivals, the production is scheduled for future performance runs across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Global Tour Continues to Ivanovo, Russia

Following the conclusion of the festival in Monastir, the Hawar Group will travel to Russia to participate in the international theater festival in Ivanovo. There, the group will showcase "Salma," an internationally recognized monodrama exploring themes of memory, migration, and resilience, continuing their mission of representing Kurdish and Iraqi theater on global stages.

FYI

The Hawar Theater Group's international tour builds on a strong legacy of representing Kirkuk and the wider Kurdistan Region on global cultural stages. Directed by Nezhad Najm, the troupe has previously achieved international acclaim, including winning the jury award at the Carthage International Monodrama Festival in Tunisia for "Salma". By participating in university-level and international festivals from North Africa to Russia, the group continues to use theater as a vehicle for therapeutic storytelling, human rights advocacy, and cultural diplomacy.