On Wednesday, the activities of the University Theater Festival, hosted by Al-Kitab University under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi, and organized by the Student Activities Department of the Ministry’s Supervision Authority, concluded with broad participation from 32 public and private universities across various Iraqi governorates.
The closing ceremony witnessed distinguished official and artistic attendance, where the President of Al-Kitab University, Prof. Dr. Iyad Barzinji, honored Mr. Muhemin Samir Abdulwahhab, the representative of the Ministry of Higher Education, with a shield of appreciation. In return, Mr. Muhemin presented the Ministry’s shield to Dr. Barzinji in recognition of the university’s role in the success of this major artistic and cultural event.
Additionally, the President of Al-Kitab University, Prof. Dr. Iyad Barzinji, the Administrative Assistant Dr. Abdulilah Hameed Yassin, and Mr. Janki Najmuddin honored the participants and winners of the festival’s activities in appreciation of their creative contributions and outstanding efforts in presenting theatrical performances that reflected the spirit of art and academic commitment.
The judging committee consisted of an elite group of theater professors:
• Prof. Dr. Riyadh Musa
• Prof. Dr. Abdulkarim Abboud
• Assistant Prof. Dr. Aqeel Majid
Also participating in the evaluation were representatives from the Ministry:
• Mr. Muhemin Samir Abdulwahhab
• Mr. Ahmed Hanoun Qasim
• Assistant Lecturer Ahmed Waad Hazem
The ministerial technical committee included:
• Prof. Dr. Mohammed Subih Mahmoud
• Assistant Lecturer Ali Hussein
In a speech delivered on behalf of the ministerial technical committee, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Subih Mahmoud emphasized that this year’s festival was distinguished by the high artistic level of the participating performances and the diversity of the topics presented, reflecting the noticeable development in university theater. He added that the Ministry is committed to supporting this cultural direction due to its role in refining students’ talents and establishing art as a tool for expression and societal awareness.
The final results of the festival were as follows:
• First Place: University of Baghdad for the play “From the Beginning”
• Second Place: University of Mosul for the play “Tragedy”
• Third Place: University of Basra for the play “Dance of Death”
Subsequent rankings were as follows:
• Fourth Place: University of Babylon
• Fifth Place: Al-Mustansiriya University
• Sixth Place: University of Karbala
• Seventh Place: Al-Kitab University
• Eighth Place: University of Hillah
Individual and Artistic Excellence Awards included:
• Best Director: Azhar Abdulrazzaq (University of Baghdad – From the Beginning)
• Best Actor: Khaldoun Kashkool (Al-Mustansiriya University – The Final Count)
• Best Script: Ali Al-Majeed (University of Karbala – Crossing)
• Best Actress: University of Basra (Dance of Death)
• Best Ensemble Performance: Al-Kitab University (The Seed)
• Best Makeup: Al-Ain University (Theater Court)
• Best Lighting: University of Hillah (8:4)
• Best Costumes: Al-Manara University for Medical Sciences (Iraq’s Pride)
• Most Promising Actress: Student Retaj Yahya (University of Kirkuk – Together Against Blackmail)
At the conclusion of the festival, Al-Kitab University received widespread praise for its active role in hosting this national cultural event and providing all technical and logistical facilities for its success. Through this event, the university has reaffirmed its genuine commitment to enhancing cultural life on campus, supporting youth creativity, and instilling the values of art, dialogue, and enlightenment.
