Hager Fikir Theatre
The Hager Fikir Theatre Historical Building
Introduction and Historical Background
Before exploring the history and structure of the Hager Fikir Theatre, which holds a significant place in the history of Ethiopian art, we present an assessment of the building's heritage status.
After Addis Ababa was established as the capital city of the country in 1879 E.C. (1887 G.C.), and following Emperor Menelik II's relocation of his palace from Entoto to Addis Ababa, the nobility along with their soldiers began to acquire land and construct their residences in Addis Ababa. Following the victory of Adwa in 1888 E.C. (1896 G.C.), Ethiopia gained great reputation and fame as a nation, and European countries also began to build their embassies in Addis Ababa. The victory of Adwa also attracted Armenian, Greek, Yemeni, and Indian citizens to Ethiopia. They found good employment opportunities for themselves, demonstrating the expanding modernization movement through building construction in Addis Ababa. This process of settlement and building construction continued at a high rate after the victory of Adwa and the expulsion of the Italian invaders in 1933 E.C. (1941 G.C.).
The constructions of that time blended European, Indian, Yemeni, Armenian, and Greek architectural styles with indigenous styles. Most of the contractors were Indians, Greeks, Armenians, and Italians. Today, some of these buildings are registered as heritage by the Addis Ababa Culture and Arts Bureau and are serving various purposes and being used as offices.
The Hager Fikir Theatre is one of these historical heritages. Beyond its status as a historical building, it is considered a symbol of Ethiopia's struggle for independence and national identity. Founded in 1927 E.C. (1935 G.C.), this theatre holds the honor of being the first indigenous theatre in Africa.
Origin of the Hager Fikir Association
The association was founded shortly before Italy invaded our country, on Hamle 11, 1927 E.C. (July 18, 1935). The "Hager Fikir (Patriotism) Association" was established by the intellectuals and patriots of the time, with the main objective of strengthening national unity and patriotic sentiment through the medium of art.
Patriots like Mekonnen Habtewold led the association, recognizing that music and drama were powerful tools to awaken the people's spirit and repel the invader.
The main objectives of the association were:
¡ To teach patriotism and unity
¡ To encourage modern Ethiopian theatre and artistic expressions
¡ To educate the people through music, poetry, and drama
¡ To prepare and mobilize the people against the Italian invasion
Performances based on these objectives were held in Addis Ababa. The first performances were presented in the open air at Menelik Square in Addis Ababa, where trucks were used as stages. The performances included folkera (traditional chanting/shouting), shilela (war chants/poems), patriotic poems, and dramas.
During the Italian Invasion
When Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1928 E.C. (1935 G.C.), the association's public activities were suppressed, but its members continued their work in secret. Many members joined the patriotic resistance; some were killed by the enemy or imprisoned.
Artistic Resistance Strategies:
¡ Protest Dramas: Works prepared by Yoftahe Neguse, such as "Ababa Janhoy, Dnbarachinin Ataseniku" (Oh Emperor, Do Not Let Our Borders Be Violated), inspired the people to stand for their country.
¡ Protest Music: Styles like folkera, shilela, and "Semena Worq" (Wax and Gold - a poetic style with double meanings) were used to satirize the enemy and convey secret messages to the patriots.
¡ Prominent Artists: Notable artists of the time include Yoftahe Neguse (considered the father of Ethiopian theatre) and the first female singer, Negatwa Kelkay.
After the Italian Withdrawal (from 1934 E.C. onwards)
After the Italians were driven out, in 1934 E.C. (1942 G.C.), the Hager Fikir Association began operating permanently in its current building located in Piazza. This building, previously used by the Italians as a warehouse, a nightclub, and a billiard hall, underwent minor adjustments at the time and was converted into a theatre.
The stages of artistic development after the Italian withdrawal include:
¡ Development of Modern Drama: Dramas exploring social life and history were created. Works by world-renowned authors (such as Shakespeare and Molière) were translated and presented.
¡ Prominent Playwrights and Artists: In this regard, figures like Tsegaye Gebremedhin, Mengistu Lemma, Tesfaye Gessesse, Debebe Eshetu, Wegayehu Nigatu, Nigatwa Kelkay, and Aselefech Ashine are notable.
The Development of Traditional Music at Hager Fikir Theatre
The Hager Fikir Theatre was not only a platform for modern theatrical performances but also made a significant contribution to the development of Ethiopian traditional music and folk art. At this theatre, the azmari tradition, folk songs, and traditional dances were frequently presented, helping the urban audience public to know and preserve Ethiopian culture.
Prominent Traditional Singers of the Theatre Era
Notable traditional singers at the Hager Fikir Theatre include: Aselefech Ashine, Negatwa Kelkay, Shishitu Chekol, Itagegnhu Hayle, Zenebech (Chira Karesh), Frew Haylu, Asefa Abate, and Zäläkä Haylu.
Traditional Musical Instrument Players
Performances at the Hager Fikir Theatre were often presented using traditional Ethiopian musical instruments. Among these instruments, the krar (lyre), masenqo (one-stringed fiddle), washint (flute), and kebero (drum) were very prominent. Notable masenqo players included Taddälä Ayalew, Beshah Tekle Mariam, Worku, Mekuriya, Solomon Reta, and Färäde Golla. These azmaris were famous for their performances of folkera, shilela, and traditional folk songs. Krar players, on the other hand, included Mulugeta Hayle, Demse Wendmagegn, Gebre Werkneh, and Astatqe Mengasha. These musicians made immense contributions to the development of traditional Ethiopian music.
The Development of Modern Ethiopian Music at Hager Fikir Theatre
The Hager Fikir Theatre is an institution that played a great role in the development of modern music in Ethiopia. This theatre is often described as the starting platform for modern Ethiopian pop music. Many singers began their musical careers on this stage and later became famous in the Ethiopian music world. Among these prominent singers, the following are primarily mentioned:
¡ Tlahoun Gèssèssè: This vocalist was a great singer and influential artist in modern Ethiopian music. He began his musical career at the Hager Fikir Theatre before joining the Imperial Bodyguard Orchestra.
¡ Aster Aweke: She started her musical career singing and dancing in the clubs and bands of the Hager Fikir Theatre while still young.
¡ Frew Haylu and Ali Birra are notable vocalists who emerged from the theatre.
¡ Mahmoud Ahmed and Bizunesh BĂŠkĂŠlĂŠ also presented their work at the theatre as guest vocalists. These musicians played a major role in creating and disseminating the renowned modern Ethiopian music movement of the 1960s and 1970s â particularly Ethio-jazz and pop music.
The Role of Hager Fikir Theatre in the Development of Cultural Arts
Hager Fikir Theatre is an institution of high esteem in the history of the development of cultural arts in Ethiopia. Many studies indicate that this theatre is believed to be the first indigenous theatre established in Africa. The theatre served as a primary training and creative platform for Ethiopian actors, playwrights, and musicians. On this platform, traditional Ethiopian arts and modern acting and musical presentations merged and developed. Hager Fikir Theatre has been serving the development of Ethiopian culture and arts for over 80 years and remains one of the major cultural institutions in Addis Ababa today.
The Architectural Design of the Theatre
The building was constructed following the Proscenium theatre architectural design. This design is common in modern theatres, where the stage is separated from the audience area by a proscenium arch.
Main Architectural Features
The main architectural features include:
¡ A square-shaped auditorium
¡ A raised stage separated from the audience area by a proscenium arch
¡ Balcony seating
¡ Backstage areas
¡ Entrance foyer
Architecturally, the building presents a combination of two approaches:
¡ Simple Italian colonial urban architecture
¡ Functional theatre hall planning
The theatre's architectural design follows the Proscenium theatre architectural style. This design, common in modern theatres, features a stage separated from the audience area by a proscenium arch.
Main Architectural Features
The main architectural features of the theatre include:
¡ A square-shaped auditorium
¡ A raised stage separated from the audience by a proscenium arch
¡ Balcony seating
¡ Backstage areas
¡ An entrance foyer. Architecturally, the building presents a blend of:
¡ Simple Italian colonial urban architecture
¡ Functional theatre hall layout
Since the building was originally constructed as a warehouse, its interior spaces were later reorganized to accommodate theatre and artistic presentations.
Overall Building Layout
The building is organized into different functional zones.
Public Zone
This area is designated for the audience and includes:
¡ Foyer
¡ Ticket sales area
¡ Main auditorium
¡ Balcony seating area
Performance Zone
This is the area where performances are presented and includes:
¡ Main stage
¡ Orchestra pit â used for some performances
¡ Side wings for artists' entrances and exits
Backstage Zone
This area is designated for artists and technical staff and includes:
¡ Dressing rooms
¡ Makeup rooms
¡ Costume storage
¡ Rehearsal rooms
Expansion Period (1950s)
During the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I, the building underwent significant expansion and architectural renovations.
The renovations carried out included:
¡ Expanding the auditorium
¡ Adding balcony seats
¡ Improving stage technical equipment
¡ Creating VIP seating areas
These renovations transformed the theatre into an organized and modern performance venue.
Later Renovations:
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the theatre underwent many maintenance and restoration projects. These projects were undertaken to:
¡ Preserve the building's historical character
¡ Improve technical performance equipment
¡ Maintain the theatre as a cultural institution
Architectural Typology
The theatre follows the Proscenium Theatre Typology. This architectural type is widely used in Western theatre buildings. In this type of design, the stage is separated from the audience area by a proscenium arch.
Main Characteristics
¡ Proscenium arch separating the stage from the audience
¡ Square-shaped auditorium
¡ Raised stage
¡ Backstage technical areas
This architectural type allows for a direct frontal relationship between the audience and the performers.
Spatial Organization
The internal organization of the theatre is characterized by functional zones.
Public Zone
This area is open to the audience and includes:
¡ Entrance foyer
¡ Ticket sales area
¡ Waiting area
¡ Main auditorium
The foyer serves as an intermediate space connecting the external urban environment to the internal performance area.
Auditorium
The auditorium is the main architectural part of the theatre.
Seating Arrangement
The seats are arranged in rows facing the stage. The floor level is slightly sloped to improve sightlines. The auditorium includes:
¡ Ground floor seating
¡ Balcony seating
The total audience capacity is estimated to be between 700â800 people.
Acoustics
The square shape of the auditorium enhances sound distribution.
Stage
The stage is located at one end of the auditorium and is the main focus of the theatre. Stage components include:
¡ Proscenium arch
¡ Stage platform
¡ Stage curtain
¡ Wings (side areas)
The stage floor is often made of wood.
Stage Function
The stage is used for various types of performances:
¡ Drama
¡ Music concerts
¡ Dance performances
¡ Cultural ceremonies
Backstage Areas
Behind the stage are areas essential for performance preparation:
¡ Dressing rooms
¡ Makeup rooms
¡ Costume storage
¡ Prop storage
Technical Control Rooms
Modern theatres have specialized rooms to control technical systems. These rooms include:
¡ Lighting control
¡ Sound control
¡ Stage management
Administrative Areas
Within the building, there are administrative offices to manage the theatre's operations.
Conclusion
The architecture of the Hager Fikir Theatre demonstrates how modern theatre design principles were applied within the historical and cultural context of Addis Ababa. The building's spatial organization, structural system, and functional approach show how an adapted building evolved into a full-fledged theatre institution. This theatre is among the first modern theatre buildings in Ethiopia and continues to play an important role in the country's cultural life to this day.
Bibliography
Books and Academic Publications
Adejumobi, S. A. (2007). The History of Ethiopia. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-32273-0.
Diakhate, O. (2013). The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre: Africa. Abingdon: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-35949-1.
Milkias, P. (2011). Ethiopia. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-59884-257-9.
Reta, M. C. (2013). The Quest for Press Freedom: One Hundred Years of History of the Media in Ethiopia. Lanham: University Press of America. ISBN 978-0-7618-6002-0.
Shelemay, K. K. (2022). Sing and Sing On: Sentinel Musicians and the Making of the Ethiopian American Diaspora. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-81002-7.
Articles and Online Sources
GPSmyCity. (n.d.). Hager Fikir Theater in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Retrieved from https://www.gpsmycity.com
Gudeta, M. (2021, September 7). Patriotism in Ethiopian Theatre - From the Anti-Fascist Struggle to Tsegaye G/Medhin. The Ethiopian Herald. Retrieved from https://press.et/herald/
Hager Fikir. (2019, September 28). Ethiopian Business Review. Retrieved from https://ethiopianbusinessreview.net
Wikipedia contributors. (2022). Hager Fikir Theatre. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hager_Fikir_Theatre
Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Teatro Hager Fikir. In Wikipedia, L'enciclopedia libera. Retrieved from https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Hager_Fikir