Theatre in Addis Ababa is a part of art, culture and entertainment of the Ethiopian capital. Since inception, theatre has taken various forms like music, dance, gesture, speech and spectacle. Theatre is based on reality, classical and experimental forms. Hager Fikir Theatre is the oldest theatre house in Ethiopia. The theatre house bears a rich cultural heritage of 70 years. Many European and traditional Ethiopian plays were staged in this theatre.
Hager Fikir Theatre
The Hager Fikir Theatre was established in the year
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1935 by Mekonnen Habtewold. The theatre is credited with the incubation of modern Ethiopian drama and music. The theatre was founded on the eve of the Italian conquest in 1935. In the early days, open air productions were staged at the Menelik Square. However, after the Italian troops withdrew, the theatre group moved to the Piazza District. The theatre thrived during the rule of Haile Selassie. He also built the Haile Selassie Theatre, which is popularly known as the National Theatre. The Hager Fikir Theatre started staging socialistic plays and performances during the Derg administration. During his tenure, directors were reprimanded by the government. However after the downfall of the Derg regime the theatre continued in its alternative plays.
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