Author: Mohammed Benjeddi
FITAS – Agadir
AITA/IATA Associate Member 374, Morocco
Date of publication: 17/03/2026
Theatre, a School of Life and a Mirror of Societies
Theatre is not merely an art of entertainment or leisure: it is a true school of life, a memory for nations, and a language capable of condensing the experiences of peoples and their vision of the world. Since the dawn of history, it has been an instrument for building identity, anchoring values, and transmitting culture.
Theatre teaches people to look at themselves, to listen to others, to turn reality into dreams and dreams into action.
In Morocco, as elsewhere, it has been a space for education in freedom, dignity, and awareness, a platform for critical thought and creative imagination. This noble art moves emotions, awakens consciences, rekindles the love of beauty, and restores humanity to mankind.
The Marginalization of Amateur Theatre
Despite its rich history and invaluable contributions, amateur theatre in Morocco has suffered deep marginalization for three decades. Arbitrarily reclassified in 1992 as “youth theatre”, it lost its natural place within the national cultural landscape.
Unjust administrative decisions and improvised policies condemned it to operate on the sidelines, even though it remains a genuine school of art, culture, and citizenship.
Amateur theatre is not a fleeting pastime but a true institution of education: it shapes artists, thinkers, and citizens; it nurtures critical thinking, ethics, and a love of beauty. Once, amateur troupes toured towns and villages, offering committed performances to audiences willing to buy tickets without favoritism or privilege.
But this vitality was stifled: ticket sales banned, subsidies frozen, opaque selection committees… The result: the extinction or marginalization of many troupes.
The Resilience and Contribution of Amateur Theatre
Despite these obstacles, amateur theatre endured. Indeed, it often surpassed professional theatre in artistic value and intellectual commitment.
Its stages carried the works of Brecht, Artaud, Molière, Sophocles, Shakespeare, Gogol, Chekhov, Goldoni, and Gorky, alongside contemporary playwrights. Amateur theatre remains a space of freedom, learning, and inspiration.
Aware of this mission, several associations and troupes took the initiative of organizing international festivals. The Moroccan Federation of Amateur Theatre, deprived of subsidies, chose to make culture accessible to all.
Thus, major events emerged:
The Comedrama troupe of Oujda, now in its 15th edition of its international festival, having hosted over 50 troupes from Europe, Asia, America, and Africa.
Other cities like Fes, Meknes, Kenitra, Safi, Agadir, Berkane, or Jerada also host international festivals, constantly seeking funding to sustain these initiatives.
Through diverse programming, Moroccan audiences discover new theatrical forms and engage in dialogue with artistic practices from multiple horizons. For Moroccan artists, these encounters are an inspiring example, proving that the vitality of theatre lies not only in the professional circuit but above all in the creative energy of amateur theatre.
Artistic Exchanges and International Collaborations
One of the strengths of Moroccan amateur theatre is its ability to build bridges across borders. Artistic residencies and training workshops have been led by renowned directors from France, Spain, Belgium, and Italy.
The Comedrama troupe has multiplied joint projects, notably with Opendoek in Flanders, Françoise Olivier’s company, and Dominique Zamparini in France.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Amateur Theatre carried out remarkable collaborations with its German counterpart, under the guidance of the late Claus Hoffmann.
These partnerships reinforce the conviction that amateur theatre is a cornerstone of cultural life and deserves as much recognition and support as professional theatre.
For an Urgent Rehabilitation of Amateur Theatre
Faced with this situation, voices are rising. Many cultural actors and leaders are calling for:
- The rehabilitation of amateur theatre and the guarantee of its independence.
- A fair and transparent distribution of subsidies.
- The reopening of ticket sales so the public can financially support their troupes.
- Public investment in cultural infrastructure, especially in marginalized cities lacking modern performance venues.
For the value of art is not measured by the fame of names or the size of budgets spent, but by the sincerity of passion, the nobility of commitment, and the courage of creators who step on stage to carry a message.
A Living Heritage to Safeguard
Amateur theatre is not dead and will not die. It lives in every actor, every spectator, every idea planted on stage. It is our living memory, our collective voice, our cultural future.
It is urgent to restore its place, protect its freedom, and preserve its dignity.
