The Jassad international festival concluded its fourth edition in Rabat, Morocco, on October 30, having showcased the work of six women theatre directors. According to Africanews, the event ran from October 27 to 30 and aimed to promote diverse narratives within the theatrical form. Performances featured artists from Egypt, Spain, Greece, Morocco, and France, with productions addressing contemporary issues such as family dynamics, alienation, and the lingering effects of war. The festival sought to pave the way for more inclusive storytelling in the region by highlighting the specific contributions of female leadership in the arts.
Egyptian director Nour Ismail presented "Good Night, Mother," a play exploring the complexities of womanhood and the tense relationship between a daughter and her mother during the final hour of the daughter's life. Ismail noted that women are often defined by stereotypes that question their capabilities before their work is evaluated. She expressed the belief that female directors can shift audience perspectives amid global conflicts, stating that changing the mind of even one viewer is sufficient for her artistic goals. Her work focuses heavily on family and suffering as central themes.
Greek director Natalia Georgosopoulou presented "Ulrike – Letters from the Dead Wing," which uses the letters of German journalist Ulrike Meinhof to examine isolation and personal strength during imprisonment. The work focuses on the pain resulting from political memory. Spanish director Lola Botello also contributed a performance where two women in red jackets monologue about their identities and regrets, emphasizing the human presence required in theatre. These varied approaches demonstrated the range of perspectives available through female direction.
The festival was organized with partners including the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and the United Nations agency for gender equality. Beyond the main stage performances, the program included training workshops and panel sessions that allowed for direct engagement with the audience. Africanews reported that the event also included these interactive components, ensuring that the festival extended beyond passive viewing to include active learning and dialogue between artists and attendees.