Armenian students win Best Director award at international university theatre festival in Casablanca
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Students from the Gyumri Branch of the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography (YSITC) have won international recognition at the 38th International Festival of University Theatre of Casablanca (FITUC 2026).
Their production, The Labyrinth of Striped Squirrels, received high praise from both audiences and the professional jury, winning the Best Director award.
The production was directed by Artush Mikayelyan and Ludwig Harutyunyan, while Arsen Mikayelyan served as speech coach.
According to Harutyunyan, the play is based on Don Nigro's Animal Tales series. It explores the psychological world of the individual through a multilayered system of animal symbolism, examining contemporary human identity and existential questions.
The one-hour performance addresses themes including the conflict between the individual and society, isolation, addiction, human vulnerability, and the search for identity. Its characters struggle against indifference while seeking to preserve faith in their dreams, freedom of choice, and inner liberty.
The students' participation in the festival was made possible through the support of the Hovnanian Foundation.
Founded in 1988, the International Festival of University Theatre of Casablanca (FITUC) is organized by Hassan II University of Casablanca and is regarded as one of the world's leading platforms for university theatre. Held under the High Patronage of the King of Morocco, the festival annually brings together student theatre companies, theatre professionals, and artists from around the world, promoting cultural dialogue, artistic exchange, and emerging talent.
In addition to its competition program and awards, the festival features masterclasses, conferences, and professional discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation through theatre.