An exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Bahraini theatre has been opened at Al Hedaya Al Khalifia Secondary Boys School in Busaiteen.
Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), the event – titled ‘100 Years of Bahraini Theatre’ – explores the kingdom’s landmark theatrical journey.
Visitors are taken through the various stages of development of Bahraini theatre since its beginnings at the school in 1925, through to the establishment of private theatres operating under the umbrella of the Bahrain Theatres Union Associations.
A collection of photographs, documents, costumes and awards reflecting the evolution of the theatrical movement and recalling its local and regional presence, is also on display.
The launch was attended by Baca president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Education Minister Dr Mohammed Juma and the ministry’s school affairs director general Suha Hamada.
Theatre artists, media professionals and cultural figures interested in Bahrain’s theatrical movement were also in attendance.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Juma affirmed that the government school – which witnessed the launch of formal education in Bahrain – also served as the birthplace of theatre in the kingdom, highlighting the historic significance of this distinguished educational institution.
“Bahraini theatre began as a school-based movement,” said Dr Juma.
“School theatre continues to serve as a vital and rich source for the national theatre scene by nurturing acting talent that is further refined through school productions and annual school theatre festivals.
“The ministry attaches great importance to school theatre as an educational tool and considers the study of local and international theatre history as a cultural achievement.
“The celebration coinciding with the commemoration of the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, the founder of the modern state and the leader of the modern institutional renaissance in Bahrain, lends the occasion added depth and symbolism.
“This is due to the fact that it takes place at one of the kingdom’s most historic educational landmarks that witnessed the foundational beginnings of the modern state.”
Meanwhile, the event also featured the launch of the book, The Memory of Bahraini Theatre: A Century of Transformations and Aesthetics, by writer and theatre artist Khaled Al Rowaiee. It documents the history of Bahrain’s theatre movement across several decades, presents key milestones and testimonies from leading pioneers, and contains archival photographs.
A number of prominent theatre figures, who made significant contributions to the development of Bahrain’s theatre over the past few decades, were also honoured.
Shaikh Khalifa affirmed that celebrating the centenary of Bahraini theatre marks a significant milestone in showcasing the kingdom’s rich theatrical heritage. He noted that these celebrations not only preserve this legacy in the minds of future generations but also continue a century‑long journey of artistic creativity and cultural contribution.
“I commend the dedication of Bahraini professionals working in the theatre and their achievements,” said Shaikh Khalifa.
“I would also like to stress the importance of sustained co-operation among official institutions, theatres of all types, and audiences to further advance Bahrain’s theatre movement and enhance its competitiveness at Arab and international festivals.”
The exhibition will run until February 18 and will be open daily from 8am to 8pm.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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