Baghdad Festival for Arab Youth Theater opens with 'Viagra'

Scene from the Iraqi play 'Viagra' Baghdad – Arabstoday Iraqi play “Viagra” was the opening performance at the Baghdad Festival for Arab Youth Theatre on Wednesday. The play took place in the national theatre hall in Baghdad following performances by Iraqi national folk dance troop and the Iraqi symphony orchestra. In his speech in the opening ceremony Minister of Culture Saadoun al-Dulaimi spoke about the importance of theatre in strengthening culture among youths.
"Iraqi youngsters are exposed to other Arabs and their culture in theatre stages,” he said.
General Director in Culture Ministry Shafik al-Mahdi said: "nobody can take Iraq away from its Arabic identity. The participation of other Arab countries goes to show that Iraq is a part of the Arab nation.”
The festival director ande artist Hatdar Mnathar described the festival as a "beauty and change marathon."
Iraq will present five plays: "Viagra", "Passport", "Fokdan"(Loss),"Aydan Aydan" (Also Also) and "Tazakar Ayoha al-Jasad" (Remember My Body).
The participating Arab countries are: Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Oman.
The festival will also include book signing, sources said.