Baghdad: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities announced on Friday that the 2026 theater season will feature approximately 20 theatrical productions addressing societal issues with a sense of national responsibility. Taha Al-Mashhadani, director of the Iraqi National Theater Troupe at the Ministry of Culture, shared insights into the upcoming season's program.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Mashhadani stated that the 2026 season program includes between 15 and 20 theatrical productions, along with cultural seminars on theater. These seminars will cover topics such as scenography, acting, writing, directing, lighting techniques, soundtrack music, and set design. The productions aim to reflect the public's suffering and concerns through an engaging theatrical language. The necessary production plan has been completed and submitted to the ministry through the Theater Department at the Cinema and Theater Directorate.

Al-Mashhadani emphasized that the National Theater Troupe has consistently taken the lead in presenting carefully selected theatrical performances with artistic and cultural awareness. This approach helps bridge the gap between audiences and serious theater by choosing works that address social issues with committed national responsibility. The troupe has already presented five productions produced by the Theater Forum and is currently preparing to stage the play "Sharqi Athabat" (Eastern Sufferings), featuring Al-Mashhadani along with artists Aziz Khayoun, Baha Khayoun, Amir Ihsan, and Israa Rifaat.

He further added that the playwright, Majid Matrood, and the director, Hassan Khayoun, are Iraqi expatriates residing in Brussels, Belgium, for over 20 years, bringing a unique perspective to the production.