Teatro Kursaal-Fernando Arrabal is the crown jewel of Melilla, Spain, and a beacon of cultural heritage and architectural splendor. Nestled at number 6 Avenida Cándido Lobera, this theater is an integral part of the Historic-Artistic Complex of the City of Melilla and has been declared a Cultural Interest Asset. As the main venue for the Melilla Film Week, Teatro Kursaal stands as a testament to the city's vibrant artistic and cultural life.
The history of Teatro Kursaal is a fascinating tale of transformation and resilience. The original structure, known as Salón Kursaal, was designed by the renowned architect Enrique Nieto on September 25, 1912. It was a wooden building authorized for construction on October 8 of the same year, intended to host activities such as skating, attractions, sports, and a café. However, the theater we see today is the result of multiple construction phases and renovations.
In 1929, Enrique Nieto embarked on a new project to convert the original wooden structure into the more robust Cine Kursaal for entrepreneur Rafael Rico Albert. Interestingly, the construction was divided into two distinct phases, completed in 1929 and 1934. The first phase saw the creation of the vestibule, the main seating area, two floors of boxes, and part of the stage. The demolition of the original building began in May 1930, and within ten months, the new structure was ready for a provisional opening on October 31, 1930, with the first film screening taking place on April 14, 1931.
The second phase, initiated in November 1934, focused on adding dressing rooms and extending the stage area, making it the only theater in Melilla capable of hosting theatrical performances. The construction during this phase included approximately 23,000 cubic meters and expanded the theater’s seating capacity to around 2,000 seats.
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During the Spanish Civil War in 1937, the theater was renamed Cine Nacional. The 1950s marked a period of significant changes as the popularity of cinema surged, prompting the expansion of the screen area. Between 1952 and 1953, original decorative elements were replaced by new designs from Levantine decorator Pedro Aroca, who introduced plaster, lights, moldings, and fabrics. Further renovations took place between 1958 and 1959, driven by concerns over the building's structural integrity following several earthquakes. The iconic pinnacles were removed to ensure safety, slightly diminishing the building's grandeur.
In 1969, the theater underwent its final renovation before closing in 1982. During this renovation, the screen was further enlarged, necessitating the removal of side boxes and modifications to the upper floors. After the closure of Cine Deporte Monumental in 1982, Cine Nacional became the largest cinema in Melilla and the primary venue for the city's film weeks.
In 2005, the City of Melilla acquired the theater, initiating a comprehensive reconstruction between 2010 and 2011. The theater was renamed Teatro Kursaal, and on October 25, 2017, it was further christened Teatro Kursaal-Fernando Arrabal in honor of the famed playwright, who attended the renaming ceremony.
The exterior of Teatro Kursaal is a striking blend of local stone and brick masonry, with a central body featuring a large segmented arch, reminiscent of Central European modernism. The façade boasts three entrance doors with flat arches, a continuous balcony with balustrades, and a series of windows framed by arches and pilasters. The theater's name is prominently displayed on a cast-iron label, flanked by pilasters adorned with geometric designs.
The side streets feature beautiful wooden doors leading to tall, vertical windows framed by giant pilasters, culminating in a curved pediment. This design is heavily influenced by the Viennese Secession style, emphasizing geometric ornamentation and elegance.
The interior of Teatro Kursaal is equally impressive, with three floors housing 800 and 400 seats respectively. The ground floor features ticket offices on either side of the façade, leading to the main seating area, orchestra, and proscenium. Staircases on the sides provide access to the upper amphitheaters.
The first floor includes a foyer, restrooms, and a central viewing area offering a full view of the ground floor seating. The second amphitheater, similarly designed, houses the accounting room and provides a view of the lower vestibule.
Teatro Kursaal-Fernando Arrabal is not just a theater; it is a living monument to Melilla's cultural evolution. Its walls echo the stories of its past, from its early days as a recreational salon to its current status as a premier cultural venue. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a lover of the arts, a visit to Teatro Kursaal is a journey through time and a celebration of Melilla's rich heritage.
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