Parlons en Silence (Tunis/Paris 2002)

From 1999 to 2003, Laila Samy was a member of the Arab African Centre for Theatrical Training and Research in Tunis, a pioneering institution founded by Tunisian theatre director Ezzedine Gannoun and based at Théâtre El Hamra. The centre brought together Arab and African theatre practitioners in a unique intercultural experience focused on organic theatre and collective creation.

As part of the first graduating cohort, Laila took part in three years of intensive workshops exploring physical performance, improvisation, and ensemble work under Gannoun’s direction. In 2002, she performed in Parlons en Silence (Let’s Speak in Silence), which was presented at several festivals in Tunisia and later was staged in Paris.

Archival photos and video footage from the productions and workshops are preserved at the Arab African Centre for Theatrical Training and Research in Tunis.