Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, presided over the celebrations marking the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Algerian National Theatre. The event coincided with the release of a collective book titled “Abdelkader Alloula: The Generous Do Not Leave.”
According to a statement from the ministry, Malika Bendouda began her visit with a tour of an art exhibition in the theater’s lobby. The exhibition featured paintings dedicated by artists to honor the late Abdelkader Alloula, in recognition of his diverse career in Algerian theater and fine arts, and to celebrate his creative legacy and eternal contributions to national culture.
In her speech, Bendouda emphasized that since its establishment in 1963, the Algerian National Theatre has served as a leading artistic and intellectual school that has contributed to the formation of generations of creators and the establishment of theatrical traditions based on commitment and quality. She noted that this celebration reinforces the theater’s role as a space for expressing the hopes and ambitions of society and its historical and cultural heritage, while enhancing awareness of the national artistic legacy.
The Minister also touched upon the career of the late Abdelkader Alloula, describing him as one of the pioneering symbols who believed in theater as a humanitarian message and a social act. She highlighted the ministry’s efforts to advance theatrical creativity and work toward designating January 8th as National Theater Day, as part of a culture of recognition and appreciation for the role of theater in building cultural awareness.
The ceremony featured a tribute to the family of the deceased, represented by his wife Raja Alloula, in appreciation of his career and eternal contributions to Algerian theater. This was followed by the distribution of three awards to winning artists. The audience also watched a theatrical performance of selected scenes from the play “Al-Ajwad,” presented by the Istidjam troupe from Oran, in an artistic moment that evoked the spirit and creative achievements of the late artist and reinforced the value of cultural memory.
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