Princess Lalla Hasnaa Chairs First Meeting of Rabat Royal Theater Foundation
Doha – Princess Lalla Hasnaa, president of the Rabat Royal Theater Foundation, chaired the first session of the Foundation's Board of Directors on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Royal Theater in Rabat. French First Lady Brigitte Macron accompanied the Princess at this important event.
The Royal Theater represents King Mohammed VI's vision for arts and culture. The Board of Directors will establish and enhance a strategic framework for this institution, following Royal directives.
The Board brings together prominent figures from various backgrounds. It includes Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and Brigitte Macron, wife of the French President Emmanuel Macron.
Other members are Othman Benjelloun, Michael Zaoui, Makhtar Diop, and Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo. The Board also includes Gad Elmaleh, Michel Canesi, Hélène Mercier-Arnault, Farid Bensaïd, and Mohamed Yacoubi.
This diverse Board combines legitimacy, expertise, and passion. Sheikha Al Mayassa brings bold perspectives on patronage and museography. Meanwhile, Brigitte Macron's presence further strengthens cultural ties between France and Morocco. Gad Elmaleh, a Franco-Moroccan comedian with global influence, represents theater as a universal art form.
Financial figures Othman Benjelloun and Michael Zaoui bring strategic rigor and enlightened philanthropy. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC (World Bank Group), ensures inclusive and sustainable cultural policies. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, a Gulf cultural pioneer and founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, offers a visionary perspective on the Arab art scene.
Concert pianist and committed patron Hélène Mercier-Arnault combines musical excellence with humanistic sensitivity. Cultural entrepreneur Farid Bensaïd, diplomat Mohamed Yacoubi, and physician-writer Michel Canesi complete this influential circle.
Read also: Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Brigitte Macron Inaugurate New Royal Theater in Rabat
Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Brigitte Macron inaugurated the Royal Theater on October 29, 2024. The project was initiated under King Mohammed VI's instructions. The theater is located in the Bouregreg Valley, near Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum.
This cultural landmark was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Construction began in October 2014 as part of a larger development plan King Mohammed VI launched in January 2006. The initial investment announced for this project was MAD 1.677 billion ($167.7 million).
The theater spans 7.1 hectares with 25,400 square meters of built area. It features an auditorium with capacity for over 1,800 spectators, known for its unique geometric design that enhances acoustics. The venue is suitable for theater, dance, ballet, opera, musicals, and symphonic concerts.
The facility also includes a second performance hall with 250 seats for various cultural events. Its exterior houses an amphitheater that can accommodate 7,000 people for festivals and large-scale events.
The Royal Theater aims to boost Morocco's cultural landscape and elevate the country's cultural presence on the world stage. It represents Rabat's cultural and artistic renewal while promoting a modern approach to Moroccan art. Tags: Princess Lalla HasnaaRabat Royal Theater
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Laughter Unites Casablanca at Comediablanca 2025
Casablanca's iconic Mohammed V Complex pulsed last night with energy as the Francophone Gala of Comediablanca 2025 delivered an unforgettable evening of humor, identity, and celebration. From the moment the pre-show village opened to the final applause echoing through the venue, the second edition of this bilingual festival confirmed its place at the heart of Morocco's cultural calendar. Organized by TENDANSIA, the festival offered not only two evenings of top-tier comedy but also a space where language, community, and creativity converged. Two hours before the doors officially opened, attendees poured into a colorful outdoor village built around the venue. With the sun setting over Casablanca, visitors explored coffee stands, food stalls, artisan fashion booths, and live music—transforming the space into a buzzing festival ground. Several performers arrived for interviews around 14:30 in this warm and festive atmosphere, interacting with early guests and the press while soaking in the pre-show energy. Coming to Casablanca! For the comedians set to perform, Comediablanca was not just another booking — it was a milestone. Oualas, a seasoned performer who has graced stages across Morocco, didn't downplay the challenge:'The Moroccan audience is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I've met. They're very demanding. If it's not funny, they don't laugh. But if you can make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh.' Coco Makmak, taking the stage in Morocco for the very first time, described the experience as both surreal and inspiring. 'All the artists tonight are big names in comedy, and I'm honored to be among them,' she said. 'I hope the audience buys into my humor and sees what makes me Coco Makmak.' Erick Baert, who offered a teaser from his full show coming to Morocco this November, shared his genuine emotion: 'The energy gave me chills from the moment I walked into the venue. This is my big premiere in Morocco, and I'm the happiest guy in the world.' The gala was hosted by Meryem Benoua, who returned to her hometown stage with pride. 'Performing here, in Casablanca, for Moroccans — it's incredible,' she tells Morocco World News. 'The public gives so much love. It's the only place where I feel truly at home.' For Mimo Lazrak, the show was deeply personal: 'There's extra pressure performing in front of your own family, your city, your people. But I'm proud — and this festival has grown into something worthy of the biggest stages.' Building cultural bridges and spotlighting Morocco as a creative hub The lineup, which included French and North African performers, offered everything from sharp stand-up to physical comedy and vocal impersonations. The audience responded with thunderous laughter, heartfelt applause, and a standing ovation that brought the night to a close on a high note. This year's edition was rescheduled to accommodate a Wydad AC football match and operated smoothly thanks to tight logistics and secure, app-based ticketing via Guichet. The seamless coordination ensured that audiences could enjoy the evening without concern, fully immersed in the experience. With its unique two-gala format — one Arabophone, one Francophone — Comediablanca continues to build cultural bridges while showcasing Morocco's position as a creative hub As Casablanca wakes up today to a quieter rhythm, the buzz around Comediablanca 2025 is still very much alive. From young debut performers to seasoned veterans, the consensus is clear: this festival matters. The success of this second edition has sparked anticipation for what's to come — more stages, more languages, and perhaps more days of programming in future years. Because if this week reminded us of anything, it's that comedy is not just entertainment — it's a shared language. And in Casablanca last night, that language brought thousands together in laughter. Tags: Casablancacomediacomediablanca
Morocco World
17 hours ago
- Morocco World
Backstage at Comediablanca 2025: Artists Reflect Before the Laughs Begin
As the sun set over Casablanca and the lights went up at the Mohammed V Complex, the artists of Comediablanca 2025 gathered backstage. They looked nervous, yet felt honored and sounded energized by the anticipation of a 4,000-strong audience. The festival, now in its second edition, features some of the most beloved Francophone comedians of the moment. What it means to perform in Casablanca But before the first punchline hits the crowd, the performers shared personal insights, emotions, and what it means to take part in a comedy festival of this scale in Morocco. 'I hope it won't be my last time on stage in Morocco,' said Coco Makmak, one of this year's notable guests. For Makmak, Comediablanca represents not just an exciting performance opportunity, but a first encounter with the Moroccan public. Coco Makmak 'It was an honor for me to have been contacted by Sarad to take part in the event… all the artists who will be there tonight are big names in comedy, so I'm very happy to be taking part,' she said. Having participated in the Arabophone Gala the night before, she was struck by the scale and spirit of the venue. 'In a hall of 4,000 people, it's really impressive,' she enthused. 'The energy is incredible. It's my very first time on stage in Morocco and I hope it won't be my last.' Her goal for the night was simple but powerful: 'Honestly, what I'm hoping for tonight is that the audience buys into my humor… that I manage to offer you all the notes of humor that make me Coco Makmak.' Renowned French vocal performer Erick Baert echoed that enthusiasm. 'I'm the happiest guy in the world,' he said, visibly moved by the hero welcome he received. 'This is my big premiere here… in front of 4,000 people. I had the chance to see the crowd the night before — it was incredible. The atmosphere, the warmth… it sent shivers down my spine.' Erick Baert Though excited, the French performer admitted to some pre-show nerves: 'I'm stressed about tonight, I'll tell you that.' Baert offered the audience a teaser of what's to come, hinting at his upcoming return. 'I'm going to do 20 minutes of an extract of what I'm doing in the show because I'm coming back in November with my musicians for two performances here.' Meryem Benoua, who on this occasion is back in her home country as the event's host, was even more lyrical about what the show means to her. 'It's the only place where I feel truly at home,' she said. The Casablanca-born comedian and master presenter described the experience in deeply moving personal terms. Meryem Benoua 'It's an honor to be performing in Casablanca, the city where I was born… to be performing for Moroccans, for Casablancais — it's incredible.' Her love for the local audience was clear as she spoke. 'The energy of the Moroccan public is exceptional,' she said. 'They send out so much love, so much positive energy. And it's really the only place where I feel truly at home.' Rising star Mimo Lazrak , also a Casablanca native and a rising star in the francophone scene, spoke of pride and the commitment it takes to hold one's own when under pressure to rise up to expectations. For Mimo Lazrak, performing in Casablanca is both a homecoming and a responsibility. 'I'm proud to be playing in Casablanca, my home town, in front of my parents, my family, and the whole world. There's extra pressure, but I hope I can make them proud,' he said. A returning artist from last year's Comediablanca, he was impressed by the festival's growth. 'It was a great success and I'm back again this year for a bigger edition… with an organization worthy of the biggest comedy festivals in the world.' Mimo Lazrak Despite having only 12 minutes on stage, Lazrak expressed a desire to stay with the audience longer. 'Sometimes we want to play more, but we respect the festival.' It's hard to make a Moroccan laugh Rounding up this series of enthusiastic comments about the unique joy of giving joy to Casablanca, humorist Oualas spoke of embracing the challenge of a demanding Moroccan audience. A veteran of the Francophone African scene, Oualas (Lazrak Tahar) offered a typically Ivorian and Moroccan-flavored perspective on the Moroccan audience. 'It's like coming home. I love playing in this city… Casablanca has an incredible public — very generous and very sincere,' he began. But he also made it clear that this is not an easy crowd. In fact, no Moroccan crowd is. 'The Moroccan audience… is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I've met. They're very demanding. If it's not funny, they don't laugh.' Oualas To him, however, that high standard is what makes the challenge so rewarding. 'If you make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh… Moroccans are funny themselves. You have to work at it.' Oualas emphasized the importance of supporting festivals like Comediablanca, stressing: 'It's a great festival and I'm proud to be here. We, the cultural players, have a duty to accompany and support this kind of initiative.' For each performer, Comediablanca 2025 is more than just another gig, it's a stage that reflects their roots, their reach, and their respect for the Moroccan audience. Whether it's a first-time debut or a long-awaited return, their resoundingly clear message seemed to go to others who will come after them to grace future iterations of Comediablanca: this festival matters. As the comedians step onto the stage one by one, Casablanca is reminded that laughter, like language, travels far, but always sounds best when it comes from the heart. Tags: Casablancacomediacomediablanca
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
Francophone Gala: What to Expect on Day 2 of Comediablanca
Casablanca- Tonight, the heart of Casablanca is pulsing with laughter and linguistic diversity as the Francophone GALA is taking over the Complexe Mohammed V for the highly anticipated Comediablanca 2025. Starting at 8 p.m., this VIP event is bringing together some of the brightest Francophone talents in comedy for a night of cultural celebration and comedic brilliance. Taking the stage are artists like Roman Frayssinet, Meryem Benoua as a host, Mimo Lazrak, Erick Baert, and many more. Organized under the banner of TENDANSIA, Comediablanca has quickly become a staple in Morocco's entertainment calendar, championing French-language performance and pan-African creative expression. The gala features a curated lineup of top-tier comedians, delivering sharp wit and vibrant storytelling to a diverse audience. Launched in 2024, Comediablanca was built on the idea that Morocco's multilingual reality deserves a multilingual stage. By offering both Arabophone and Francophone galas, the festival reflects the linguistic diversity of Moroccan society, giving equal space to local and international voices. This year's schedule was adjusted to avoid overlap with tomorrow's Wydad AC match against Porta, ensuring smooth crowd management and full focus on the performances. Beyond entertainment, tonight's gala also offers a deeper kind of release. Studies show that laughter lowers stress, boosts immune response, increases social bonding, and enhances mood – making festivals like Comediablanca more than cultural events. They are public moments of joy, solidarity, and emotional renewal. As the Francophone performers step into the spotlight, Casablanca is once again reminded that in uncertain times, laughter remains a powerful tool for unity and resilience. This year's edition emphasizes both inclusivity and exclusivity, with VIP invitations distributed to key partners and cultural influencers. Organizers reminded guests that tickets must be validated through the Guichet app, as third-party resales are not secure or valid for entry. Whether you're here for the punchlines, the people, or the prestige, Comediablanca 2025 promises a night to remember, where laughter becomes a language of unity. Tags: comediablancaComedy festival in Casblanca
