Addis ababa: Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, has today inaugurated the State-of-the-Art Theatre Complex in Addis Ababa for Children and Youth, showcasing the government’s commitment to the advancement of arts and culture.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the inaugural ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the significance of arts as an instrument for creating values, expediting civilization, and shaping narrations. He highlighted the importance of managing and supporting the sector with purpose.
Temesgen further stated that the reformist government of Ethiopia views the arts as a means of expressing the country’s prosperity and aspirations. The government is implementing various initiatives to support the arts, demonstrating its commitment to the sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted the construction of the Children’s and Youth Theatre Complex as part of the government’s efforts to nurture artistic creativity and cultural development among children and youth. This center is envisioned to be a place where the next generation of Ethiopia’s artistic pioneers will emerge, reflecting the government’s commitment to harnessing the power of art for nation-building and generational transformation.
Temesgen also emphasized the role of art in fostering national unity by creating shared values and strengthening societal cohesion. He mentioned that Addis Ababa is becoming a favorable place for the arts, with numerous modern amphitheaters and plazas being built across the city, supporting both established and emerging artists.
The newly inaugurated center will serve as a hub for creativity and culture, where the dreams of children are nurtured, and where Ethiopia’s youth can excel in theatre and cinema. Temesgen called on the public to support the arts and contribute to building Ethiopia’s future.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie highlighted recent reform measures that have led to the construction of nine new theater venues and the renovation of existing historic theaters. She also noted that 110 plazas and over 50 amphitheater venues have been built in recent years.
The new theater complex includes a main theater with a seating capacity of 1,200 people, housed within two 14-storey blocks, along with two cinema halls and various specialized service facilities. The complex meets international standards, aligning with the status of Addis Ababa.