An essential piece of the architectural heritage of El-Jadida and, thanks to its stage designed in the Italian style, the El-Jadida theatre is a true centre for artistic dissemination throughout North Africa. For the record, it was designed by the French architect Édouard Delaporte. It opened its doors for the first time in 1925. In 1930, it was transformed into a theatre with 658 seats.
However, this theatre was neglected for a long time; it required a complete restoration and a renovation of its technical and scenographic equipment to become a tool for cultural development throughout the province. H.M. The King, during his last visit to El-Jadida, showed particular attention to the renovation and rehabilitation project of the municipal theatre of El-Jadida. He was thus informed of this initiative, which aims to restore one of the city's former cultural and artistic jewels. Thus, after many discussions and consultations, the head of the province is shifting into higher gear with a complete renovation project for this historic theatre. Consequently, the complete rehabilitation of this theatre, built in 1925, leads to a restructuring of the entire complex, consisting of the main hall, the balcony, the machinery and projection booth, the orchestra pit, the scenery room, the dressing rooms, the administration, the backstage, the restrooms, the music room, and the adjoining public spaces.
Similarly, the renovation will also concern the stage, which is originally raised in relation to the hall, with a floor slightly inclined towards the hall at an average slope of 2° (2 cm per metre), with acoustics well-studied to host music events ranging from classical to variety, including amplified music. This complete renovation is one of the most important projects ever undertaken.
It will be carried out so that this iconic hall can relive its greatest hours and regain its initial prestige. The work, which will be carried out under the control and watchful eye of Mouâd El Jamaï, governor of the province, will be undertaken with the constant concern to respect and highlight the identity of this theatre, while making profound modifications for the comfort of the spectators and the quality of the shows.
It is to be hoped that the El-Jadida theatre will forever carry the memory of the giant of Moroccan theatre, the true native of El-Jadida, the late Mohamed Saïd Afifi.
The result of a partnership between the DGCL, the provincial council, the urban commune of El-Jadida, and the rural commune of Moulay Abdellah, the new theatre will have a capacity of 500 seats and will be managed by an independent structure that will also ensure the promotion of artistic creation at the city and provincial level. The renovation work, estimated at nearly 7.5 million DH, will be carried out within a period of six months, with the reopening of the theatre scheduled for 4 July 2012.
