Since 1921, Ethiopian theatre arts have flourished, with iconic venues like Hager Fiker Theatre, the Children and Youth Theatre, Ras Theatre, and the Addis Ababa Theatre and Culture Hall serving as vibrant stages for the country’s traditions, rituals, and artistic expressions. For generations, these venues have been cherished by Ethiopian audiences and performers alike, serving as enduring symbols of the nation’s cultural and artistic heritage. These institutions have bridged past and present, fostering a sense of national identity while offering platforms for artistic innovation.
Historically, each of these theatres operated independently, with unique organizational structures and artistic missions shaped by the contexts of their founding. Today, however, they have been unified under a single administrative body: the Administration of Addis Ababa Theatres. The Administration of Addis Ababa Theatres was established just weeks ago under the Addis Ababa City Administration’s Government Development Enterprises. Its creation marks a significant shift in the country’s theatrical landscape, merging four storied institutions into a cohesive entity aimed at revitalizing the sector.
Formerly known as the Haile Selassie I Theater, Ethiopia's National theatre was built during the Italian occupation as the Cinema Marconi with some 350 seats. The building was later completed in 1955 for the celebrations of the Silver Jubilee and expanded to seat 1260 people. In 1955, the theatre was established as national theatre under Emperor Haile Selassie. The Austrian composer Franz Zelwecker was the first director general of the theatre.
In 2019, the theatre planned to renovated with 1.5 billion birr, anticipated for completion within five years.
The Ethiopian National Theatre (Amharic: የኢትዮጵያ ብሄራዊ ቲያትር) is a national theatre in central Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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A key milestone in this modernization effort is the launch of online ticket sales, now managed through Red Cloud ICT Solutions. Director General Bareke Tadesse expressed gratitude to Red Cloud for facilitating a more convenient and accessible ticketing experience for audiences across the country. Alongside digitalization, the theatre has announced an increase in ticket prices, raising the cost from 80 birr to 200 birr. Bareke emphasized that the updated pricing reflects an “improvement” designed with the audience’s cultural experience in mind.
In a bid to nurture future talent, the National Theatre announced plans to launch a nationwide training program targeting young artists from across Ethiopia. This comprehensive initiative will focus on areas such as acting, composition, and production preparation. The theatre plans to kick off the new Ethiopian year-starting September 5, 2025-with a series of artistic events that showcase its revitalized vision.
The theater is divided into two directorates, one for theater and the other for music. The music directorate includes the Izra Folk Music and Dance Group, Yared Modern Orchestra, Dawit POP Orchestra and String Orchestra.
A New Perspective on Ethiopian Theatre
From The Reporter Magazine Bareke Taddesse, CEO of the Addis Ababa City Government Theatres Management Company, explained that this structural overhaul seeks to elevate the visibility of theatre within the community while enhancing financial sustainability. “We’re introducing a new perspective,” he said. “Each venue now has a distinctive identity, enabling them to focus on specialized themes and styles.”
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Exploring Addis Ababa: From Ethiopian Palace to National Theatre
Hager Fiker Theatre: Embracing Tradition
Hager Fiker Theatre, established in 1935, holds the distinction of being Ethiopia’s first theatre. According to Bareke, the theatre conducts field trips to explore the cultural practices and languages of Ethiopia’s diverse regions. Its productions often incorporate music and sketches, reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. “Hager Fiker’s experience is a testament to how deeply these venues are intertwined with Ethiopia’s cultural fabric,” Bareke noted. Hager Fiker Theatre, for instance, is embracing its roots in traditional plays.
Addis Ababa Theatre and Culture Hall: Modernization and Contemporary Issues
The Addis Ababa Theatre and Culture Hall, established in 1956, became a stage for original works by Ethiopian playwrights and directors. Meanwhile, the Addis Ababa Theatre and Culture Hall focuses on modern and post-modern works. These productions delve into themes of technology and contemporary issues, offering a sharp contrast to the traditional repertoire of Hager Fiker. “Modernization is a nuanced concept,” Bareke observed. “But the Addis Ababa Theatre and Culture Hall strives to blend modernity with lessons from the past, using technology to engage today’s audiences.”
Ras Theatre and the Children and Youth Theatre
It was followed by Ras Theatre in 1937, which played a pivotal role in inspiring patriotism during the Italo-Ethiopian War through traditional plays. In 1989, the Children and Youth Theatre was founded to cultivate young talent and introduce the next generation to the world of theatre.
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For over 90 years, these centers have been vital to Ethiopia’s theatrical scene, offering productions that range from traditional dramas to contemporary plays. They have also nurtured a wealth of talent, significantly contributing to the development of Ethiopian theatre and its enduring cultural influence.
A Veteran’s Perspective on Change
As Ethiopian theatre undergoes structural adjustments, many professionals in the sector see this moment as a pivotal opportunity for growth. Tesfu Berhane, a veteran artist and producer at Hager Fiker Theatre, shared his perspective during the inauguration of the theatre’s newly renovated building, which had been under refurbishment for over eight months. “This is a new experience for all of us,” Tesfu told The Reporter. “Adapting to the new system will take time, but I am excited about the changes and what they could mean for our future performances.”
For Tesfu, Hager Fiker Theatre is more than a workplace-it is a lifelong companion. “It reflects my childhood, the youth I spent here, and the adult I’ve become,” he said, his passion for the institution evident in his words. Having spent more than three decades at Hager Fiker Theatre, Tesfu described the restructuring as both a challenge and an opportunity. While he and his colleagues are still acclimating to the new system, Tesfu expressed optimism about the changes and their potential to revitalize the theatrical community.
Looking ahead, Tesfu hopes his artistic home of over 30 years will expand by opening branches across Addis Ababa. He emphasized the need for strong alignment between the government and the theatrical centers to achieve their shared goals. “Theatre centers are places where national identity is created and shaped,” Tesfu explained. “They nurture the next generation, helping them develop language skills. The government must also prioritize sectoral development across all sub-cities to ensure these centers fulfill their potential.”
The Role of Theatre in Times of War
Theatrical Arts have always had a way of inspiring and giving hope to the hopeless in their ability to portray life’s hard moments in a palatable manner. In many parts of the world, theatre has been used to educate, socialize, and raise consciousness. Theatre practitioners have lamented the fragmentation of human life and the erosion of peace as a result of human rights abuses, income inequality, poverty, lack of access to services, crime and wars, capturing the pain, tragedy and beauty in it all. Ethiopia is no different; historically theatre has served beyond performances exclusively meant for entertainment.
The Hager Fikir Theater, the first theater in Ethiopia, was established to motivate patriots and the general public for the second Italo-Ethiopian war (1933-1938). The founder, Mekonnen Endalkachew, promoted the use of music and sketch plays to attract the audience for his motivational speeches. ‘Fukera’ and ‘Shelela’ are also forms of performance art that have long been used in Ethiopian culture to motivate warriors.
The national theatre recently announced that it will be supporting the troops through performance art that aims to give moral boost to the frontliners. Speaking about the reasons to launch the project, director of the theatre, Desta Asres stated: “The Ethiopian national theatre is amongst partners of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and as relevant stakeholders, we have embarked on the project to support our troops through these unprecedented trying times. The theatre house has stood beside Ethiopia for ages; ever since its beginning in 1948, it has participated in matters of the nation - during the imperial ages, through the Derg regime, the Ethio-Eritrean war and even now. Anytime any sort of threat presents itself to the nation, the theatre community contributes in all aspects that concern it.”
Art contributes tremendously in raising morale during times of war.
Planning Your Visit
While many appreciate the rich artistic offerings and the lively atmosphere, some find the seating could be more comfortable and the ticketing process a bit disorganized. Despite minor drawbacks, it remains a significant cultural gem in Addis Ababa.
Getting There: The Ethiopian National Theatre is located in the heart of Addis Ababa. Taxis are readily available and are the most convenient way to reach the theatre. Public transportation options might also be available, but taxis offer direct access.
Tickets & Entry: Tickets can typically be purchased at the theatre's box office. For some popular shows, advance booking through an application or at designated points might be available.
Onsite Experience: You can expect a variety of performances including traditional plays, comedies, dramas, and cultural dance shows. They also host musical performances and sometimes special events.
Photography: Generally, photography and videography are restricted inside the theatre during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. It's best to check specific venue rules upon arrival.
Tips for Different Travelers
- Families with Kids: The Ethiopian National Theatre can be a great outing for families, especially if there are specific children's plays or cultural performances scheduled.
- Theatre Enthusiasts: For true theatre lovers, the Ethiopian National Theatre is a must-visit. You'll find a range of performances, from long-running comedies with valuable messages to contemporary dramas.
- Culture & History Buffs: Visitors interested in Ethiopian culture and history will find the National Theatre a significant site. Its establishment by Emperor Haile Selassie I and its role in preserving and showcasing traditional arts make it a place of historical importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available? Yes, there is parking available across the street from the theatre. While generally considered safe, it's always advisable to take basic security measures, such as locking your car and not leaving valuables visible.
Are tickets available on the day of the show? For most performances, tickets are available on the day of the show, especially since the theatre is rarely completely full. However, for highly anticipated events, booking in advance is safer.
Is the Ethiopian National Theatre a historic venue? Yes, the Ethiopian National Theatre is a historic and vintage venue, established by His Majesty Haile Selassie I, and has been well-maintained to preserve its grace and charm.
What types of performances can I expect to see? You can expect a variety of performances including traditional plays, comedies, dramas, and cultural dance shows. They also host musical performances and sometimes special events.
Quick Facts About The Ethiopian National Theatre
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 1955 as the National Theatre under Emperor Haile Selassie |
| Original Name | Haile Selassie I Theater |
| Previous Use | Cinema Marconi during the Italian occupation |
| Seating Capacity | Expanded to 1,260 seats in 1955 |
| Directorates | Theater and Music |
| Music Groups | Izra Folk Music and Dance Group, Yared Modern Orchestra, Dawit POP Orchestra, String Orchestra |
| Renovation Budget (2019) | 1.5 billion birr |
| Key Features | Historic architecture, quality theatre performances, vibrant cultural dances |
| Location | Central Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
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