The diffusion of a modern theatre culture, in a European mould, across the Middle East and North Africa occurred during the colonial period. Starting in the 19th century, with the presence of the great European powers initially in the countries of the Maghreb and then spreading across much of the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, a process of Westernisation took place – one of the strongest in modern history. The adoption of foreign languages and the spread of the colonising powers’ traditions and customs radically transformed the socio-cultural profile of the entire Middle East. So it was that, starting in the early 19th century, the first theatrical and operatic performances began to be promoted and organised by European companies in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. Before long, the region’s first opera theatres were also under construction. The history of opera in the MENA region had begun. In order to understand the characteristics of this diffusion and development better, it is useful to conduct a brief review of the principal phases of this art form’s evolution.
“Over the last 15 years, around 10 new opera theatres and performing arts centres have been built in the Middle East and North Africa, and many others have been restored and modernised. From the Maghreb to the Arabian Peninsula, governments are allocating tens of millions of dollars to
provide financial support for new cultural growth. Why?”