Teatro Kursaal

Teatro Kursaal is a historic theatre in Melilla, the Spanish enclave on the coast of Morocco, and one of the city's most notable examples of early twentieth-century Modernist architecture.

When was the theatre built, and what happened to it over the years?

The building was designed by architect Enrique Nieto as early as September 1912, yet construction only got underway nearly two decades later: the theatre finally opened its doors on 31 October 1930 under the name Kursaal. During the Spanish Civil War it was briefly renamed "Nacional". The following decades were not kind to the structure — between 1952 and 1953 much of the original interior decoration was lost, and earthquakes in 1958 and 1959 forced the removal of the ornamental pinnacles that once crowned the main facade. By 1969, when the venue was operating mainly as a cinema, the proscenium boxes were taken out to make room for a larger screen. The Autonomous City of Melilla purchased the building in 2005 and carried out a thorough restoration between 2010 and 2011. On 25 October 2017 the theatre was renamed Teatro Kursaal Fernando Arrabal, honouring the Melilla-born avant-garde playwright.

What makes the building's architecture stand out?

The facade, designed by Enrique Nieto — the architect who shaped much of Melilla's Modernist identity — belongs to a later, markedly geometric and restrained phase of the style, one that already foreshadows the Art Deco movement to come. The walls were built from local stone and brick, while the ceilings rest on brick barrel vaults. Despite earthquake damage and later alterations, the building still reads clearly as Nieto's work.

How many people can the auditorium hold?

Following its restoration, the theatre seats 766 people across the stalls (patio de butacas), the boxes (plateas) and the upper gallery (anfiteatro). The venue also includes a rehearsal room with room for up to 100 people, used among other things by local performing arts groups.

Why is the theatre now named after Fernando Arrabal?

The 2017 renaming paid tribute to Fernando Arrabal, a playwright, director and writer born in Melilla in 1932 and one of the most recognised figures of twentieth-century Spanish avant-garde theatre. Attaching his name to the city's main stage was meant to underline the connection between Melilla and his body of work.

Frequently asked questions

When did Teatro Kursaal open? It opened on 31 October 1930, although the architectural design dated back to 1912.

Who designed the building? It was designed by Enrique Nieto, the architect behind many of Melilla's Modernist landmarks.

How many seats does the auditorium have? After the 2010-2011 renovation, the theatre has 766 seats.

Is the theatre still an active venue today? Yes — following its restoration it operates as a working municipal theatre, known since 2017 as Teatro Kursaal Fernando Arrabal.

Where does the current name come from? Since 25 October 2017 the venue has carried the name of Fernando Arrabal, a Melilla-born playwright, in recognition of his artistic legacy.

Has the building suffered damage in the past? Yes — earthquakes in 1958 and 1959 destroyed the ornamental pinnacles on the facade, and part of the original interior decoration was lost between 1952 and 1953.