Abdelaziz Meherzi

A masterpiece of Tunisian theatre and arguably its most iconic production to date, Marshal Ammar has been performed over 300 times across Tunisia and remains deeply ingrained in popular culture, especially through its television broadcasts. The play tells the story of a wealthy yet uncultured man, Marshal Ammar, who desperately tries to bridge the gap between his social standing and the aristocracy. His misguided attempts to appear refined lead to a series of foolish decisions, resulting in comical and often farcical situations.

Recognizing no boundaries to her love, Angele manages to foment riots, rages and tragedy in colonial Algeria. Angele, an Algerian colonist with impeccably French origins, has fallen in love with Said, the assistant in her brother-in-law's bakery shop. Said is conscious of his Arab origins and traditions, and Angele has her work cut out for her if she wants to persuade him to marry her. Once she does, all hell breaks loose, as neither her European-origin peers nor Said's conservative Arab family approve of the union. When word of the proposed marriage gets out, strikes, violence and murder quickly follow, ruining not only Angele's life, but the lives of those around her. Her brother-in-law Paco, meanwhile, has been doggedly trying to get along and raise his family in an increasingly chaotic and difficult situation.

Two young Tunisian women strive to achieve the same level of emancipation enjoyed by their male counterparts—even as their country fights for freedom.

The second Gulf War from 1990 to 1991 represents in the collective Arab memory a turning point in regards to the Arab nationalism’s self-perception as well as a moment of deep historical and existential insecurity. Five Arab directors discuss the events from their personal perspective.