Mohamed Touri Theater

Mohamed Touri Theater sits in the heart of Blida, Algeria, and it remains one of the city’s most symbolic cultural venues. The hall offers about 430–435 seats, which gives it an intimate atmosphere ideal for plays, concerts, and community events. After a long closure, the theatre underwent a major rehabilitation project and officially reopened in 2025. Today, it is owned and managed by the APC (municipal authority) of Blida, which oversees its programming and preservation.

Mohamed Touri Theater: A Short History

The building dates back to the colonial period, and it originally functioned as both a theatre and a cinema. For decades, it welcomed local audiences who came to enjoy stage plays and film screenings. During the 1980s, the structure evolved as the stage was enlarged and the internal layout was redesigned to support more demanding performances. Over time, however, the building suffered from neglect. Its roof deteriorated, the interior lost much of its charm, and multiple technical elements failed. As a result, the theatre eventually closed and remained inaccessible for more than fifteen years.

Rehabilitation and Reopening

In the late 2010s, the APC of Blida launched a full rehabilitation program to revive the theatre and restore its cultural value. The project included a complete roof repair, careful restoration of interior decorative elements, and essential technical upgrades. The municipality allocated more than 20 billion centimes to modernize the lighting, sound systems, and backstage infrastructure. Thanks to these improvements, the theatre regained its original character while adopting modern equipment, and it finally reopened to the public in early 2025.

Programming and Current Use

Since the reopening, the theatre has started offering cultural activities again, and several local groups have returned to the stage. However, programming still lacks consistency, and many critics believe the space remains under-used considering the investment made. Because of that, cultural advocates continue to encourage more regular scheduling, stronger partnerships, and a clearer artistic strategy. With steady programming, the venue could once again play a central role in Blida’s cultural life.