Bahrain Celebrates a Century of Theatre at Al Hidaya Al Khalifia School

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has marked the 100th anniversary of the theatrical movement in the Kingdom of Bahrain with a commemorative celebration held at Al Hidaya Al Khalifia School in Manama, the historic institution where Bahraini theatre first emerged.

The event was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of BACA, and Suha Saleh Jassim Hamada, Director General of School Affairs at the Ministry of Education, alongside cultural figures, educators, and theatre practitioners.

Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, said the school holds a unique place in Bahrain’s history, as it not only witnessed the launch of formal government education but also served as the birthplace of the Kingdom’s theatrical movement. He described the occasion as a powerful reminder of the institution’s enduring cultural and educational legacy.

The Minister noted that Bahraini theatre began as a school-based initiative, adding that school theatre continues to be a vital contributor to the national theatre scene by nurturing young talents through productions and annual school theatre festivals. He stressed that the Ministry of Education views theatre as an important educational tool and includes the study of local and international theatre history as a significant cultural achievement.

Dr. Juma added that the celebration gains further meaning as it coincides with the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, the founder of Bahrain’s modern state and institutional framework. He said hosting the event at Al Hidaya Al Khalifia School reinforces the symbolic connection between education, culture, and nation-building. 

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed said the centenary celebration represents a major milestone in highlighting Bahrain’s theatrical heritage and ensuring its legacy remains alive in the collective memory of future generations. He praised Bahraini theatre professionals for their dedication and creative achievements, which reflect the Kingdom’s cultural identity and civilised image.

He also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between official institutions, theatres, and audiences to further develop Bahrain’s theatrical movement and strengthen its presence at Arab and international theatre festivals.

As part of the celebration, BACA inaugurated the exhibition “100 Years of Bahraini Theatre”, which traces the evolution of theatre in the Kingdom from its beginnings at Al Hidaya Al Khalifia School in 1925 to the establishment of private theatres operating under the Bahrain Theatres Union Associations. The exhibition features rare photographs, historical documents, costumes, and awards that chronicle the movement’s artistic journey and regional impact.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until February 18, with daily visiting hours from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

The event also saw the launch of the book “The Memory of Bahraini Theatre: A Century of Transformations and Aesthetics”, authored by writer and theatre practitioner Khaled Fares Al Rowaiee. The publication documents key milestones in Bahraini theatre history, incorporating testimonies from pioneering figures and archival images that reflect decades of creativity and commitment.

At the conclusion of the celebration, BACA honoured a number of prominent theatre figures whose contributions have played a central role in sustaining and advancing Bahrain’s theatrical movement over the past century.

The Authority expressed its appreciation to the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), the Bahrain Theatres Union Associations, and private theatres for their support in providing historical materials, photographs, and documentation related to the Kingdom’s theatre heritage.