Theatres and Stadium of Asmara
There are nine movie houses in Asmara. The cinemas have regular English, Italian and Indian
films which are dubbed or have subtitles. The older and larger movie houses were build during
the Italian period and are of architectural interest.
Eritrea has no tradition in drama. It is only today that theater is growing more popular in
Eritrea as a channel of artistic expression. Original Eritrean theater often takes the struggle
against Ethiopian domination as a major theme and usually displays a political sensitivity.
Impero Cinema Asmara (1938) at Harnet Avenue Asmara
Asmara Theatre or Opera House (1920) next to the
Asmara Telecommunications Office - Harnet Avenue.
Capitol Cinema Asmara (1937) started its activity
under the name of Cinema Teatro Augustus
Odeon Cinema.
Cinema Roma, Martyrs Avenue Asmara (1937) first known as
Cinema Excelsior. The facade is decorated with precious marble.
September First Stadium Asmara (a parade ground), so
called to commemorate the beginning of the armed struggle.
In former times known as Red Square and is now referred to
as Bahti Meskerem. It is also a shopping and business mall.