Algerian Radio
"Khatem Dzair," a charitable musical comedy benefiting cancer patients, was presented Thursday evening in Algiers by the "Ahl El Fen" cultural association and its main guest, the star of Algerian variety music, Hamidou, before a large audience.
Hosted at the Mahieddine Bachtarzi National Theater (TNA), this "human" artistic spectacle—combining Algerian songs, traditional dances, theater, video, images, and visual arts—saw its proceeds "entirely donated to the El Fedjr Association for aid to people with cancer," organizers stated.
Dedicated to highlighting national cultural heritage in all its diversity, this colorful fresco was written and directed by young choreographer Chakir Bourahla and produced by the Ahl El Fen association for music, dance, and theater.
Under the leadership of Nesrine Bourahla, president of the collective, more than 120 artists—including musicians, dancers, and actors of different generations—took to the TNA stage for nearly three hours, allowing the large audience to enjoy a prolific show.
Drawn from the popular lyrical poem "Laâchiq, Aouicha wel’Herraz," the plot is set in motion by "Doudja," Aouicha’s mother (played by Habiba Khadjali). Wanting to test the love "Laâchiq" (Chakir Bourahla) holds for her daughter (Ritaj Abdellah), she conspires with her daughter Aouicha to hide her wedding ring, leading her son-in-law to believe it has disappeared.
Laâchiq and his court then undertake a long journey across several localities of Algeria in search of the famous ring. Along the way, he is captivated by the incredible beauty of the landscapes and historical sites, as well as the welcome of the inhabitants across the country's four regions, observing their attire, customs, and traditions.
Actress Louisa Nehar, singer Baraka Merzaïa, and dancer Sara Mekkaoui took on various roles, including acting as guides for the Kabylia and Algerian Sahara regions, while other regions were showcased through songs and their surrounding ancestral heritage.
Alternating with the theatrical storyline, visual artist Oualid Tighiouert created a painting in real-time in which the ring is finally found, while guest singers delivered short performances that drew long applause from the audience.
Mohamed El Bey from Constantine interpreted "Jani ma jani" and "Achiq memhoun," Baraka Merzaïa performed "El Goumari," and the suave voices of the orchestra—Hassina Samrani, Anaïs Oukid, and Inès Chaabane—sang pieces such as "Essendou" and "Thets’ghenni ghaf’argazis."
Hamidou, who received a triumphal welcome from the public, delivered a medley of song excerpts glorifying Algiers, including "Ya Dzaïr," "Bahdja beida mat’houl," "Ach eddani lech m’chit," and "Allô, Allô."
The show took place in the presence of local officials and representatives of the El Fedjr Association.
"Khatem Dzaïr" was produced by the "Ahl El Fen" association in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth and Promotion of the Wilaya of Algiers, the Algerian Agency for Cultural Radiance (AARC), and the TNA. It was held under the patronage of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Ms. Malika Bendouda, and the Minister of Youth, Mr. Mustapha Hidaoui, who is also the President of the Higher Council for Youth.
Established in 2016, the "Ahl El Fen" association has several productions to its credit, including "Kisset Salaf" (Story of a Successor), "Kisset Salaf, Season II," and "Andalouziria."
