The National Theater, “Mohamed Salim Theater,” was inaugurated in Tripoli on Thursday evening, with a notable presence of a large number of artists, media professionals, intellectuals, and those interested in theatrical and artistic affairs.
The head of the General Authority for Cinema, Theater, and Arts delivered a speech emphasizing “the importance of the national theater as a platform for creativity and a space that brings together theatrical arts, and its role in embracing young talents and supporting artists.”
He pointed out that “the reopening of this cultural edifice represents an important step towards reviving the theatrical movement and enhancing the national cultural scene.”
The director of the National Theater appreciated the efforts of the contributors in organizing this event in a fitting manner, confirming that the theater will be open to all serious artistic initiatives and will serve as a platform for meeting, dialogue, and creativity.
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“Melody of Color”
The opening program also featured the fine arts exhibition “Melody of Color,” alongside a performance presented by the Libyan National Folk Arts Troupe.
The opening festivities continue today, Friday, and will conclude in the evening with a musical gala to crown the celebration of the new venue’s opening.
It is noted that the name of the late artist Mohamed Salim is his stage name, and his real name was Mohamed Mohamed bin Ali, born in Tripoli in 1915, according to official records. He began singing at the age of thirty and was known as a singer, composer, oud player, and writer of his song lyrics. One of his most famous songs is “The Happiest Nights of Joy.”
He was also an athlete who played as a goalkeeper, worked as a weaver, then was employed as a bank clerk, and returned to weaving after his retirement.
He passed away on the ninth of September, 1994.
Mohamed Salim Theater
The Mohamed Salim Theater is a historic cultural venue located in the Al-Mansheya district of Alexandria, Egypt. It was inaugurated in the 1920s and named after the renowned Egyptian actor Mohamed Salim, becoming a prominent stage for theatrical performances and a hub for the arts during the mid-20th century.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, historically founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and was subsequently ruled by the Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, which is reflected in its diverse architecture, such as the old Medina and Red Castle.
National Theater
The National Theater is a prominent cultural institution in many countries, often serving as a primary venue for performing arts like opera, ballet, and drama. Historically, such theaters were frequently established in the 19th or early 20th centuries as symbols of national identity and cultural pride. For example, the National Theatre in London opened in 1963, while Prague’s National Theatre, founded in 1881, was built with public donations as a testament to Czech cultural revival.
General Authority for Cinema, Theater, and Arts
The General Authority for Cinema, Theater, and Arts is a Saudi Arabian government body established to regulate and develop the nation’s cultural and entertainment sectors. It was founded as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms, which significantly liberalized public entertainment and marked a historic shift in the country’s cultural policies.
Melody of Color
“Melody of Color” is a contemporary public art installation, often a vibrant mural or sculpture, designed to transform urban spaces through the interplay of light and color. Its history is typically rooted in community revitalization projects or artistic festivals from the late 20th or early 21st century, aiming to foster local identity and public engagement. These installations serve as landmarks that celebrate creativity and collective experience within a city.
Libyan National Folk Arts Troupe
The Libyan National Folk Arts Troupe is a state-sponsored cultural institution dedicated to preserving and performing traditional Libyan music, dance, and folklore. It was established to showcase the nation’s diverse heritage, often representing Libya in international festivals to promote cultural diplomacy. Its repertoire typically includes performances from various regions, reflecting the country’s rich tribal and historical traditions.
