A musical at the Algiers Opera celebrates the crucial role of artists during the War of Independence. A unique show and…
On this 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Algerian war of independence against France, a new musical comedy entitled “The Price of Liberty” was presented Thursday at the Algiers Opera. A vibrant tribute to the many artists who took part in this struggle for freedom between 1954 and 1962.
A grandiose spectacle celebrating the sacrifice of artists
Performed by nearly 200 artists in front of a packed house, this imposing work in four acts retraces the epic tale of the poets, musicians and actors who left everything to join the ranks of the National Liberation Front (FLN). The author of the booklet, Haroun Al Kilani, emphasizes that it is a tribute to the long list of artists who sacrificed their art and sometimes their lives for independence.
The genesis of the Algerian national anthem
One of the strong moments of the play is devoted to the birth of Kassamanthe Algerian national anthem, the lyrics of which were written by the poet Moufdi Zakaria. Director Rabie Guechi explains that he wanted to highlight the sacrifices of this “army of artists” who were the voice of Algeria, including internationally.
It is an epic spectacle that shows how artists played an effective role in sparking the Revolution.
– Meriem Lechlech, actress
The tragic fate of Ali Maâchi
Among the shocking destinies mentioned, that ofAli Maâchifamous for his activist songs. Hanged in the public square by the French army in June 1958 in Tiaret, in the northwest of Algeria, he embodies the ultimate price paid by certain artists in this fight for freedom.
A dazzling artistic fresco
Lasting 1 hour 20 minutes, “The Price of Liberty” brilliantly combines song, music, dance, theater, video and animation. A total spectacle which won over the public, like Mohamed Zelagui, 27 years old, convinced that the achievements of these artists “will remain forever in the soul of Algerian society and will be transmitted to future generations”.
A million and a half martyrs
This musical is part of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of November 1, 1954, the date of the outbreak of the insurrection. According to the Algerian authorities, the war of independence a million and a half “martyrs”. French historians put forward the figure of 500,000 dead, including 400,000 Algerians.
Tumultuous relations with France
If this conflict now belongs to the past, relations between Algeria and its former colonial power remain complex, alternating between rapprochements and tensions. The latest quarrel dates back to the end of July, when France gave its support to the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a territory in which Algeria supports the separatists of the Polisario Front.
A vibrant duty of memory
Beyond the diplomatic upheavals, “The Price of Liberty” offers a moving insight into the commitment of artists during the War of Independence. A show called to tour throughout the country to perpetuate the memory of these men and women who put their art in the service of freedom. A vibrant ode to those who, through their words, their notes and their gestures, carried the colors of Algeria high.
