Saadi Zidani (Tunisia)
A theater professor and graduate of the Institute of Dramatic Arts, Saadi was known for his comedic roles and appeared in several plays, including ‘Nass’ by Nizar Saidi and ‘Fel Maktoub’ by Sadok Halwes and Naima Eljani. An actor, comedian, and radio and TV host, he also starred in numerous television series, most notably ‘Nsibti Laaziza’, and produced his own radio shows, like ‘Allo Saadi’.
Mokhtar Mabrouk
The late Mokhtar Mabrouk distinguished himself throughout his career with a unique touch in writing, directing, and acting, earning him the nickname “The Acrobat of Theater.”
Born on March 17, 1952, in the town of Ksour Essef (Mahdia Governorate), the artist passed away on April 6, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy of theatrical works. Among his notable plays are “Slara,” “Panorama of an Arab Café,” “Al-Hchaïchiya,” “The Revolt of the Blacks (Zanj),” “Crayon,” “Excuse Me, Barthold!” “Autumn Flowers,” and “The Dam.”
In his hometown, he founded the National Festival of Amateur Theater and served as the artistic director of the Maghreb Theater Association. He was also a member of the Theater University.
Mokhtar Mabrouk received the award for Best Direction at the Carthage Theater Days (JTC).
Hakim Marzouki
Hakim Marzouki, a Tunisian playwright born in 1965, passed away on February 16, 2024, at the peak of his career. He lived in Damascus from the late 1980s to 2012, where he studied arts and co-founded the Al-Rasif theater troupe. His works, deeply ingrained in the memory of Arab festivals, include Ismaël Hamlet (winner of the Tanit of Carthage in 1997), Aicha, and Memory of Ashes. A poet and writer, he published The Eighth Neighbor in Damascus. Translated into several languages, his creations left a lasting mark on Arab and European stages, solidifying his legacy in Arab theater.
Ridha Aziz
Originally from the town of Sahline (Monastir), Ridha Aziz is a director and actor who has greatly contributed to enriching the artistic scene. He portrayed various roles in theater productions, films, and TV series. In the 1970s, he co-founded the “Al-Ataa Al-Masrahi” association in his hometown with his colleagues.
He left a lasting mark on both the Tunisian theater scene and television, starring in numerous series such as “The Potter’s Daughter,” “Khadraa and the Treasure,” “Tresse,” “Gamerett Sidi Marouss,” “For Catherine’s Eyes,” and “Nouba.”
Abdelhak Khemir – Tunisia
He was one of Tunisia’s great puppet artists. A master of marionettes, he was known as “The Man with Golden Fingers” for his exceptional skill in his craft. His artistic career began in 1968, and he helped train many generations at various institutions, including the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art of Tunis (ISAD). He produced numerous successful works, including ‘Ors El Khonfoussa’ (The Beetle’s Wedding). Khemir also founded the Neapolis Children’s Theater Festival in Nabeul.
The artist passed away on September 22, 2024, at the age of 75.
Abdelaziz Bel Gaïed Hssine
(01/27/1963 – 10/15/2024)
Photographer, sculptor, videographer, and visual artist best known as “the itinerant photographer”. Abdelaziz combined object assemblage and repurposing to create a world of fiction and poetry, producing unique works. A master of image and light, he collaborated with Théâtre Phou, founded by Raja Ben Ammar. He also established Atelier D, an artist collective, with whom he staged numerous performances, including “Delirium”, which was inspired by Don Quixote’s madness.
Abdelmajid Jomaa (1955-2023)
A theater artist considered as one of the pioneers of amateur theater in Tunisia. He began his artistic career in 1971 by joining the Youth Theater Association, participating in its productions at the pace of one play each year. Jomaa also worked in radio, television, and cinema.
Throughout his career, he won several awards, including Best Actor for his performances in ‘The Moon of Tamouz’ and ‘Black and White’.
He passed away on August 31, 2023, at the age of seventy.
Mahjouba Ben Saâd
A vital link between theater professionals and administration, Mahjouba Ben Saâd was the driving force of the General Directorate of Scenic Arts and one of the unsung heroes of the Carthage Theatre Days. She facilitated artists’ work in distribution, promotion, and travel within the country. Starting her career as a librarian in Hajeb El Ayoun, she held several key positions within the Ministry of Cultural Affairs before leading the Events and Operations Service at the General Directorate of Scenic and Audiovisual Arts.
Mohamed Mourali
Actor and songwriter Mohamed Mourali was an artist who left a strong mark on Tunisian culture. His remarkable career spanned five decades, beginning in 1950 with the “Troupe du Tonnerre Artistique” and later joining the Municipal Troupe of Tunis in 1959. Known for his humorous songs, Mourali performed alongside notable actors under the direction of Aly Ben Ayed. In 1967, he played a memorable role in ‘Le Maréchal’, an adaptation of Molière’s ‘The Bourgeois Gentleman’, and in other iconic works such as ‘Hamlet’ and ‘The Revolt of the Man with the Donkey’. Mourali passed away on October 13, 2024, at age 92.
Mourad Karrout
A seasoned actor and director who left an indelible mark on both theater and television, Mourad Karrout began his career in 1962 with the play ‘Mnamet Ataress’, later transitioning to directing in 1986 with a piece by Hassen Zmerli. With a rich theatrical repertoire of over 60 plays, Karrout also made notable appearances in numerous popular TV series and Tunisian and international films. His television work includes ‘Gamret Sidi Mahrous’, ‘Hsabett we akabett’, ‘Tales of Abdelaziz El Aroui’, ‘Warda’, ‘Choufli Hal’, and others. The artist passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 81, after a long battle with illness.
Yasser Jeradi
Voice of the revolution, the oppressed, the marginalized, and Freedom, Yasser Jeradi bid farewell on Monday, August 12, 2024, leaving in silence.
A committed singer, cultural and environmental activist, he was renowned for his unwavering support of cultural initiatives and his solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Born in Gabès in 1970, Yasser Jeradi was a prominent figure in alternative music. An accomplished author, composer, musician, and calligrapher, he was deeply inspired by Mahmoud Darwish and well-versed in the writings of Ibn Arabi.
A Sufi at heart, he gained popularity with hits like “Dima Dima” and “Chbik Nstini,” leaving a lasting legacy.