The Algerian National Theater has been at the service of the 4th art for 60 years
Algeria-The National Theater of Algeria (TNA), an outstanding cultural institution dedicated to contributing to cultural development through the production and dissemination of educational and cultural dramatic and choreographic art shows, turns 60. January 8, 1963.
Algeria, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, has acquired a high cultural space with clear goals for a few months and was well cared for by the theater worker Mustafa Kateb (1920-1989). He creates the National Ballet of Algeria and the National Ensemble of Folk Dances.
The TNA, in its concept, is responsible for carrying out research to identify the characteristics of the real Algerian theater, to create a minimum number of works by Algerian authors and to enrich its repertoire by creating works by foreign authors related to the classical theater. and modern universal theater.
Its mission is also to participate in all cultural events organized in Algeria and abroad and to ensure that its creativity is spread among the general public.
Housed in the famous Square Port-Said building, built in 1853 and listed as a cultural asset in 2019, TNA will see the most famous artists perform on its boards, which saw the birth of a solid core in the 1940s. artists who will support the freedom struggle through art and practice Algerian culture and artistic creativity in the FLN art troupe.
Mahieddine Bachtarzi (1897-1986), a great artist and the architect of the successes of many figures of stage art, whose building bears his name today, introduced the Arab theater there, saw many talents in theater and music and accompanied them.
In 1963, TNA opened its first season after nationalization with Les enfants de la Casbah, directed by Mustapha Kateb, with a text by Abdelhalim Rais. About 200 other performances will enrich the Mahieddine-Bachtarzi repertoire of the National Theater of Algeria.
Monuments of Algerian culture such as Mohamed Bastandji, Mohamed Boudia (1932-1973), Mohamed Boudia (1932-1973), Ziani Cherif Ayad, M., a member of the FLN troupe known by the stage name Taha El Amiri, are at the head of this prestigious theater. ‘hamed Benguettaf (1939-2014) or Azzedine Medjubi (1945-1995) and Abdelakder Alloula (1939-1994), both killed by terrorist violence.
For many years, this center of cultural influence has hosted major cultural events such as the International Symphonic Music Festival, the Modern Dance Festival, which has now been moved to the Algerian Opera House, or the National Professional Theater Festival, which is still held there.
Regional theaters for wider distribution
In the 1970s and 1980s, many theater buildings from the colonial period, such as the regional theaters of Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Bejaia, Sidi Bel Abbes and Sidi Bel Abbes, were restored and restored to serve the logic of facilitating citizens’ access to culture. Batna is born.
The number of regional theaters will increase with the opening of establishments in Mascara, Oum El Bouaghi, Tizi Ouzou, El Eulma, Saïda, Skikda and Souk Ahras, some of which were built in the 1970s.
In response to the strong theater dynamics, new theaters have been built in cities like Mostaganem, Djelfa, or even this year in cities like Laghouat and Biskra, in order to use and crystallize the theater creation movement of the most active.
The cultural sector has organized numerous national, international, local and even thematic festivals to support the rich creative movement. Events such as Southern Theater Days, Medea comic theater, experimental theater, the local Sidi Bel Abbes festival, or more recently Adrar International Theater Nights and Theater Days streets, cooperatives and cultural associations.
These meetings revolve around important theater events such as the professional theater festivals in Algiers, the amateur theater festival in Mostaganem and the international theater festival in Bejaia.
The Algerian National Mahieddine-Bachtarzi Theater remains at the center of the 4th arts, organizing numerous events and training sessions, in constant collaboration with training institutions, and in addition to a regular register of productions.
