The "Tiro Association for the Arts" and "Istanbuli Theater" have started the rehabilitation works on the historic "Colosseum Cinema" in Beirut, following their experience in rehabilitating and reopening closed cinemas in southern and northern Lebanon and transforming them into independent and free cultural spaces. This cinema is considered one of the oldest screening houses in Lebanon, with the aim of turning it into the "Lebanese National Theater" in Beirut, creating a free, independent cultural space for the people, which will host training workshops, festivals, artistic performances, a public library, and an art café.
Qassem Istanbuli, the founder of the "Lebanese National Theater," emphasized that "the goal of the project is to establish a connection between the south, north, and Beirut as a continuation of our dream that began with the founding of the Lebanese National Theater in Tyre seven years ago, which is the first free theater and cinema in Lebanon." He added, "Thanks to the efforts of the volunteer youth, we will realize our dream that art is a right for everyone and break the imaginary wall between the Lebanese regions through arts and connect them through cultural spaces."
