Mutation or Oblivion: the "Théâtre de Beyrouth" case - Beirut transforming into a Cultural Wasteland.

Since it opened in 1965, the Theatre of Beirut, in Ein el-Mreisseh, has been a cultural monument where its stage bore witness to decades of implemented artistic visions, its auditorium harbored riveting applauses and its seats were occupied by critical thinkers. This haven, like all theatres, provided its residing city with knowledge instead of education, art instead of trends, style instead of fashion, truth instead of lies and confrontation instead of compromise.

As is the case with most of our cultural heritage, the decision to close down the Theatre of Beirut has been made, and the Ministry of Culture has remained passive thus far, which can only translate to Beirut taking another step forward to becoming a concrete jungle; burying away more creativity, culture, art, and potential growth in a coffin of cement.

In an attempt to stop the transformation of this historic landmark into yet another shopping mall or a hideously unattractive replica of a post modern architecture building, activists have created Facebook groups in order to reach out to the city's citizens to encourage their involvement and to join the demonstration against this insult towards our country's culture. There will be a protest outside the Lebanese Ministry of Culture on Wednesday December 21, 2011 at 10:30 am in hopes that the Ministry will awaken from their self-induced coma and protect the few cultural and artistic areas still remaining in Lebanon.

Beirut was praised for being the Cultural Hub of the Middle East, and as we struggle through the 21st century the lack of appreciation towards the arts and culture are becoming more apparent, and all we can do is learn about Lebanon's Golden Age from grandparents and history books. As the new generation of Lebanon's future we must fight against this disregard for our heritage in order not to live a future based on nostalgia.

Please click on the link below to sign the petition addressed to the Lebanese Ministry of Culture to Save Beirut Theatre and share with all your friends;
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-lebanese-ministry-of-culture-save-beirut-theatre

Also join the Theatre of Beirut's Facebook group by clicking on the link below;
https://www.facebook.com/groups/169667895059

Please find the links below to read other articles regarding this subject;
http://www.daralhayat.com/portalarticlendah/338380
http://news.beiruter.com/node/97689
http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/28025
http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/28027
http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/28026