theater, artistic practice, & civic life in algeria

dr. jane e. goodman

Theater Demolition

In June 2009, the Osmane Fethi Theater was demolished by the state to clear the way for a port and seascape beautification project.


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Title: Demolition Day
Place: Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 2:12

 

Actor strums on an ‘ud in front of the theater’s window overlooking the sea as the backhoe begins tearing down homes.

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Title: Theater Demolition
Place: Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 0:07

 

Actors watch in shock as the theater's electrical box is removed.

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Title: Theater Demolition
Place: Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 0:38

 

Troupe members and friends await the arrival of the backhoe. “This, this is independence,” cries Bachir.

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Title: Theater Demolition
Place: Street Outside Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 6:32

 

As the backhoe approaches, the street heats up. Eventually, the crowd forces the driver to retreat. 

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Title: Theater Demolition
Place: Street Outside Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 1:12

 

Actors build a symbolic barricade with rows of seating from the theater.

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Title: Theater Demolition
Place: Street Outside Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 0:43

 

Actors and neighbors build a symbolic barricade with materials from the beach.

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Title: Demolition Day
Place: Street Outside Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 2:38

 

A group of neighbors arrives to show their support, and the street heats up again.

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Title: Meeting in the old theater
Place: Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 13, 2009
Duration: 2:33

 

Khaoula, the troupe’s treasurer, explains to the actors that authorities had offered them space in a former school. She discusses pros and cons of accepting the offer. Troupe president Lahcene stands next to her.

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Title: Backhoe at work
Place: Outside Osmane Fethi Theater
Date: June 14, 2009
Duration: 0:56

 

Backhoe at work. El Moudja used to put on plays on the platform in the sea where people are standing.