Le Colisee cinema on Beirut’s Hamra Street has been restored and will reopen as the Lebanese National Theater on September 13. The marquee once advertised an Egyptian singer and the building stood empty for decades before renovation. Actor-director Kassem Istanbouli founded the Lebanese National Theater and revived venues in Tyre, Nabatieh and Tripoli, with Le Colisee completing his program. The restoration received support from the Tiro Association for Arts and a volunteer network that advocates universal access to art regardless of origin, religion or politics. The reopening reflects civil society action rather than official cultural policy.
"It's always been a dream for me to revive these old cinemas, to bring them back," said Kassem Istanbouli, an actor, director and founder of the Lebanese National Theater. Istanbouli has brought several venues back to life in the Lebanese cities of Tyre, Nabatieh and Tripoli and coming soon is Le Colisee in the capital. "This completes our dream," he said.
"This cinema is also important because it continues traditions, preserves our cultural treasures, our identity and our shared social memories for Beirut, as well as the whole of Lebanon." Istanbouli has received support from the Lebanese NGO the Tiro Association for Arts and a network of volunteers. They believe that everyone has a right to art regardless of their origin, religion or political affiliation. The fact that Le Colisee is reopening its doors is thanks to this civil society initiative, not official cultural policy.
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