Algerian Radio
The historic Souk Ahras Theater revealed on Saturday new chapters of its rich memory, which spans over nine and a half decades.
In celebration of World Theater Day, the "Mustapha Kateb" Regional Theater organized an exhibition featuring photographs, posters, and theatrical costumes that document this cultural landmark in Souk Ahras.
Managed by the artist and professor Mohamed Islem Abbas, the institution’s exhibition provided a unique opportunity for fans of the "Fourth Art" to explore significant milestones in the theater's history. The display included numerous documents chronicling various performances hosted or participated in by the theater, both within Algeria and abroad.
Mr. Abbas noted that the exhibition features testimonies and paintings representing the artistic assets of the Souk Ahras Theater. Highlighted works include the play "Kachrouda", which won five awards at the National Professional Theater Festival in 2017, as well as productions like "The Beautiful World", "The Box of Absolute Truth", "Five Women and a Carriage", and "Rainbow".
The exhibition also celebrated the play "El Sakiya", which won the award for Best Integrated Performance at the Women's Theater Festival in Annaba (2025). For fans of children’s theater, the experience of "Khayal" by Seif Eddine Bouha was featured, a work crowned with the Best Integrated Performance award at the Khenchela festival.
The celebration of World Theater Day served as an occasion to honor veteran artist Ayoub Amriche in recognition of his multifaceted contributions. The festivities concluded with the monodrama "Maya" performed by the prominent artist Souad Djennati, produced by the Association Mosaïque of the Wilaya of Sidi Bel Abbès.
The Souk Ahras Theater building was constructed in 1931 during the French colonial era, with a seating capacity of approximately 650. Following national independence, the building remained under the ownership of the Souk Ahras municipality, hosting various cultural and theatrical activities.
In 2008, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Culture following the formal establishment of the Souk Ahras Regional Theater, under Executive Decree (08/320) dated October 11, 2008. Despite its relatively recent formal status, the theater has secured a distinguished place in the Algerian theatrical landscape, consistently winning awards and honors at national festivals with notable productions such as "Those Rising to the Bottom", "Transformations", and "The Emperor".
