Princesses of Morocco attend opening of Rabat Royal Theatre
Rabat, Morocco (PANA) - Royal Highnesses Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem and Lalla Hasnaa of Morocco, accompanied by Brigitte Macron, spouse of President Emmanuel Macron of France, attended on Wednesday the opening performance of the Royal Theatre of Rabat.
The opening of the new cultural landmark reflects the continued high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for arts and culture in the Kingdom, PANA reported.
Prior to the performance, the Royal Highnesses, with Princess Lalla Hasnaa in her capacity as President of the Royal Theatre of Rabat Foundation, and Mrs. Macron were received by members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The evening began with the screening of a short film presenting the Royal Theatre, highlighting its role as a symbol of cultural and artistic renewal in the Moroccan capital and its contribution to national cultural development. It also emphasized efforts to promote a modern artistic approach and strengthen creative capacities.
Developed under the vision of His Majesty the King, the architectural and urban complex is expected to reinforce Rabat’s position as an international cultural destination and consolidate Morocco’s role as a platform for intercultural dialogue and the promotion of universal values.
The programme opened with the national anthem performed by an orchestra and choir, followed by a series of musical performances by Moroccan artistes.
Pianist Marouan Benabdallah performed classical works, while mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi interpreted operatic arias.
Singer Samira Kadiri performed pieces from the Arab-Andalusian repertoire, and composer and oud player Driss El Maloumi presented a contemporary composition inspired by Moroccan musical heritage.
The performances showcased Morocco’s artistic diversity, combining classical and traditional influences, including works by Tchaikovsky, Bizet and Verdi, alongside Andalusian-inspired and contemporary Moroccan compositions.
For the inaugural event, the Morocco Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Symphony Orchestra performed together for the first time, bringing together 76 musicians and 40 choristers under the direction of conductor Dina Bensaïd.
At the end of the performance, the Royal Highnesses and Mrs. Macron greeted the artistes, including Samira Kadiri, Ahlima Mhamdi, Dina Bensaïd, Marouan Benabdallah, Driss El Maloumi and Younes Terfas, director of the Royal Symphony Orchestra.
The event was attended by hundreds of Moroccan and foreign artistes, cultural figures, intellectuals, performing and visual arts professionals, as well as members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rabat.
Located in the Bouregreg valley near the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Theatre of Rabat stands alongside the Mohammed VI Tower as a symbol of the capital’s urban and cultural renewal.
It is part of the “Rabat, City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture” development programme initiated under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Morocco’s cultural heritage, shaped by Amazigh, Arab, Andalusian and African influences, includes theatrical traditions rooted in oral storytelling and popular performance.
Since the early 20th century, modern theatre has developed through pioneering playwrights and troupes, evolving into a dynamic space for artistic expression and social reflection.
The Royal Theatre of Rabat now represents a new milestone in this trajectory under royal patronage.
-0-PANA MSS/RA 23April2026
