Opening of the 59th session of the Carthage International Festival: "From the Depths of the Jar" by Mohamed Garfi

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The 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival officially opened on Saturday with the operatic performance “From the Depths of the Jar” by composer Mohamed Garfi. The show drew inspiration from Tunisia’s rich musical heritage, blending traditional elements with symphonic arrangements.

Several Tunisian artists participated in the performance, including Chokri Omar Hannachi, Mahrezia Taouil, Hamza Fadhlawi, and guest of honor Chadli Hajji. Actor Jamal Madani also paid tribute to Salah Khemissi through a selection of his iconic songs.

Despite the artistic ambition of the production, audience attendance was noticeably low, with many seats in the ancient Carthage amphitheater remaining empty. Some attendees even left before the end of the show.

The festival program, organized for the first time without an artistic director, had already faced criticism regarding artist selection and overall organization. Some festival-goers expressed disappointment, stating that the musical arrangements failed to preserve the authenticity of traditional Tunisian styles.

Garfi conducted the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra along with the Opera of Tunis Choir and the National Folk Arts Troupe, creating a fusion between popular and symphonic music.

The performance revisits key moments in Tunisia’s artistic history, highlighting composers, poets, and artists who shaped the cultural scene throughout the 20th century and beyond.

The festival runs until August 21, featuring 20 performances, including Tunisian, Arab, and international artists such as Mohamed Assaf, Nancy Ajram, Ahlam, Mai Farouk, and Latifa Arfaoui.