On 2 September, the third edition of the University Theatre Festival and Competition kicked off at Al-Kasaba Theatre in Ramallah. The initiative brings together student theatre groups from eight Palestinian universities and this year is dedicated to the theme “A National Cause and Student Creativity.”
The initiative is organised by the Palestinian Ministry of Education with the support of Italian Cooperation, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), within the framework of the AMAL – Human Rights and Gender Equality project. The project aims to strengthen the role of Palestinian institutions in promoting gender equality and human rights, while supporting the education system and relevant authorities in preventing and addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, Al-Kasaba Theatre and the eight participating Palestinian universities – Dar Al-Kalima University, Birzeit University, Bethlehem University, An-Najah National University, Hebron University, Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, Al-Quds University and Palestine Ahliya University – together with their respective student theatre groups and a large number of university students.
During the event, speakers highlighted the value of university theatre as both an educational and cultural tool, as well as a space for young people to express themselves and participate actively. Through theatre, students can develop their creativity and communication skills while promoting dialogue, critical thinking and engagement with social and national issues.
As part of the festival, theatrical performances prepared by the student groups of the eight participating universities were presented. Dar Al-Kalima University staged The Archive, while Birzeit University presented the play …. Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie performed Piano Zero, Bethlehem University presented The Last Dance, An-Najah National University staged Celebrities, But…, Hebron University presented The Dragon, Al-Quds University performed Khmaish Dakout, while Palestine Ahliya University presented A Dream on Paper.
In addition to providing an important opportunity for exchange and interaction among different university communities, the festival offers a space to identify and promote young talent in the performing arts. The initiative also aims to support Palestinian university theatre groups in strengthening their artistic and organisational capacities and to encourage their participation in cultural events and festivals at local, regional and international levels.
The festival is part of the broader cooperation between the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Al-Kasaba Theatre, a partnership that for several years has contributed to the development and promotion of university theatre activities. Within this framework, the support provided by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation through the AMAL project forms part of Italy’s broader commitment to cultural and youth initiatives aimed at strengthening students’ creative capacities and promoting spaces for expression, participation and personal development.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising the participating university theatre groups and students, bringing to a close an initiative that celebrated the talent and creativity of young people while highlighting the role of university theatre as a tool for education, self-expression and cultural participation.
