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TANGIER, Morocco

International theater groups visit UNE’s Tangier Campus

The University of New England campus in Tangier, Morocco, is changing the way the world looks at Maine as well as the way students from Maine see the world.

UNE's Tangier Campus recently hosted two theatrical performances as part of the International Festival of University Theater in Tangier (Festival International du Théâtre Universitaire de Tanger). The performances provided UNE students with both entertainment and opportunities for intercultural exchange.

Since its inception five years ago, the festival—which brings together student theater groups from around the globe—has been a thought-provoking, must-attend event for Moroccan and international theatergoers. As Tangier is considered an artistic crossroads, the festival could not be more ideally located.

First, a student theater troupe from Estonia’s University of Tartu visited UNE's campus to perform Successful Life. The play’s storylines revolved around four young people, living in the suburbs of Moscow, seeking success through love and drink. It portrayed nonstop parties, a wedding, a divorce and the unending quest of characters to find success and happiness.

Written by Moscow cult author Pavel Pryazhko, the play introduced the volcanic, uncensored character of the Russians, which some students found shocking.

The second play was presented by a group of students from Italy's Accademia Teatrale di Roma Sofia Amendolea. Bastards in the Mind made use of fast-paced electronic music and fine acting, encouraging viewers to reflect on such weighty themes as the inherent loneliness of the human condition and the limitations of love in a world that is often cruel. After the final scene, the riveted crowd rose and treated the performers to a lengthy standing ovation.

As UNE’s Tangier Campus continues to grow its presence in its vibrant Moroccan city, UNE students, members of the local community and visitors from afar will continue to benefit from culturally enriching experiences like these.  

Watch a video of UNE students participating in a carnival that accompanied the festival.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.