From three weeks ago , I was in a quick short family visit to Alexandria and I passed by El-Salam Theatre. I felt so sad when I saw its deteriorating condition as another decaying building in the coastal despite its beautiful modernist style and its importance as culture venue.
The building and its futuristic design reminded me of the
famous Egg building in Beirut.
I promised myself to write something about its history one day but it seems that it is too late.
Earlier Sunday , bulldozers were seen demolishing the theatre which was inaugurated in the 1960s if I am not mistaken.
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| Demolishing the famous El-Salam theater in Alexandria "Facebook" |
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| Demolishing the famous El-Salam theater in Alexandria "Facebook" |
The theatre is owned by the state and I read somewhere that there were renovations there in 2015 so I do understand what happened.
Updated : It turned out that its land will be used for a
huge hotel complex owned by the Egyptian armed forces !!
Here are its photos in the good ol' days.
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| El-Salam theater in the past |
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| El-Salam theater in the past |
That futuristic design does not exist anymore in Egypt.
People need more theatres for God's sake !!
Sad to Alexandria's loss.
ReplyDeleteZeinobia,
ReplyDeleteEgypt is in a state of behavioural, cultural, societal, educational deterioration (or collapse?). You shouldn't ask for building of theatres! There is no demand on that commodity. This will happen when there is a real cultural and scientific renaissance, educational revolution, and real social upheaval. Face the real ugly sad truth. Egypt is collapsing into the abyss of history once more. It happened many times and it is happening again.
You can write an article on the cultural scene of Egypt in the early 20th century. Compare the number of theatrical stages, cinematic screens, libraries, bands, troupes, production companies, literary authors and other intellects to the population.
It is a sad depressing ugly truth.
Well on the other hand , Egypt made a comeback from that collapse. I pray we will witness that comeback for real.
DeleteIm curious. Did you see any sexual harrasment while in Egypt?
ReplyDeleteWell I live in Egypt and yes from time to time I face catcalling from time to time.
Delete