Organised by Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality, the 11th International Amed Theatre Festival brought together hundreds of artists from 17 countries over 11 days, transforming the city into a vibrant cultural feast with events spreading from stages to streets, international performances and an enthusiastic finale.

The 11th International Amed Theatre Festival, which surrounded the city with art for 11 days, closed its curtains with a spectacular finale. Held with the participation of hundreds of artists from 17 countries, the festival turned into a true cultural celebration, drawing audiences to parks, streets, stages and historic venues across the city. Its rich programme, ranging from panels and talks to workshops and dance performances, brought the voices of different geographies together in the city, while venues remained packed throughout the festival.

The Letter

On the final day, the festival atmosphere was not confined to the stage. Guests watched Amedspor’s match together at the small cinema hall in Çand Amed Culture and Congress Centre. At the same time, The Letter, a play from Denmark, was staged once again, while the celebratory atmosphere around Amedspor added a different colour to the festival.

Closing performance: Rar

The evening closed with Rar, a play from Tunisia. Written and directed by Ezzeddine Bchir, the production featured Fethi Bousehila, Awatef Abidi, Oussema Hnaini, Assala Najjar and Mohamed Bouzid. Rar explored the power struggle and search for truth that unfolded after the disappearance of a thinker. The disappearance of Rar and the loss of his controversial book plunged an intellectual organisation into a deep crisis. As accusations of betrayal, leadership struggles and conflicts of belief emerged within the organisation, Rar’s student Iman resisted in order to uncover the truth. Set against a backdrop of mounting repression, surveillance and social tension, the story turned into a striking confrontation when Rar returned as a shadow and a voice, ending with a powerful questioning of humanity’s inevitable fate.

Speaking after the performance, Festival Coordinator Berfin Emektar thanked everyone who contributed to the organisation of the festival.

Ugandan dancers raised the rhythm in the foyer

After the play, Ugandan dancers performed in the foyer, raising the excitement of the finale to its peak with powerful rhythms that made the audience part of the performance. The festival came to an end with unforgettable moments, once again making visible the unifying power of art.