Syriac Theater Festival kicks off in Ankawa, Iraq

ANKAWA, Iraq — Ankawa, Iraq saw the commencement of the Syriac Theater Festival at the Hall of the Chaldean Culture Association. The grand opening unfolded with a captivating folkloric presentation titled “Pain of Baghdede” skillfully performed by the Barmaya Troupe for Syriac Culture and Arts, who hail from Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria.

The ceremony began with a speech from the Director General of the Syriac Culture and Arts, Kaldo Ramzi Oganna. He articulated the Directorate’s commitment to elevating the Syriac Theater by organizing impactful events and championing aspiring youth theater enthusiasts within the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Youth of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) Aryan Salah al-Din took the stage to deliver the ministry’s commendation of the Directorate’s work. A short film was then screened detailing the rich history of Syriac theater and its development.

Throughout the ceremony, five distinguished theater enthusiasts from the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community across Iraq were honored. Additionally, Syriac artist Iskander Aziz Kolanj from Zalin received recognition for his remarkable contributions to the realm of theater.

The Syriac Theater Festival promises a captivating lineup, featuring theatrical performances and engaging panel discussions with artists and academics deeply invested in theatrical affairs.