The former Grand Theatre kursaal
by Juan Díez Sánchez
(Studies Association Melilla)
At this time near the beginning of the commissioning of the new "Kursaal Theatre" in Melilla. It is time to recall the origins of this legendary show lounge. Transformations and vicissitudes, and to remember the figure of one of its most characteristic owners, Don Rafael Rico Albert. Without their continued efforts the last owner, José Pérez Hernández, would hardly have survived to this day this magnificent building. Rehabilitated through the efforts of a number of people led by our president Mr. Juan Jose Imbroda. Engaged for a number of years to fulfill the promise made to provide a good setting for the Platform Theatre Pro Melilla, which emerged after the death of the remembered actor and director Cesar A. Melilla Jiménez.
by Juan Díez Sánchez
(Studies Association Melilla)
At this time near the beginning of the commissioning of the new "Kursaal Theatre" in Melilla. It is time to recall the origins of this legendary show lounge. Transformations and vicissitudes, and to remember the figure of one of its most characteristic owners, Don Rafael Rico Albert. Without their continued efforts the last owner, José Pérez Hernández, would hardly have survived to this day this magnificent building. Rehabilitated through the efforts of a number of people led by our president Mr. Juan Jose Imbroda. Engaged for a number of years to fulfill the promise made to provide a good setting for the Platform Theatre Pro Melilla, which emerged after the death of the remembered actor and director Cesar A. Melilla Jiménez.
Facade
Kursaal in 1932
Kursaal First Hall (1912-1930)
Property Jorro entrepreneurs and Rivas , the primitive "Kursaal" was opened on Monday December 23, 1912 by holding a charity event organized by the Assembly of the Red Cross in Melilla, with proceeds earmarked for the altruistic purpose of this institution. He told the opening
With an extensive program including skating session with beautiful ladies, screenings and a lively dance that lasted well into the night. To give prominence to the solemn opening ceremony will be local adorns the arms of Spain between national flags and Red Cross.
was the "Kursaal" a huge wooden pavilion. A recreation room equipped with the most track time in Spain, where they had room cinema with films sessions every three hours, dancing with bands, skating, billiards, hockey, Boling, shooting, gymnastics and even bullfighting, for in the first months of operation and initiative of several fans were dealt a steer during a skid. Also in 1913 had lugar en este salón encuentros de lucha grecorromana.
A lo largo de su período de funcionamiento el Salón “Kursaal” experimentó varias transformaciones; siendo una de las primeras en el año 1916, cuando alteró su configuración interna para poder servir de teatro de variedades y comedias.
La fachada del antiguo barracón de madera del “Kursaal”, era detestable, y prueba de ello es que no ha llegado hasta nosotros ninguna imagen completa de la misma. Sucediendo algo parecido con la del “Alfonso XIII”, si bien gracias a la proximidad de este último a un espacio amplio y descubierto como es la Plaza de España, posibilitó que se pudiera apreciar en algunas vistas aéreas taken from military aircraft.
Property Jorro entrepreneurs and Rivas , the primitive "Kursaal" was opened on Monday December 23, 1912 by holding a charity event organized by the Assembly of the Red Cross in Melilla, with proceeds earmarked for the altruistic purpose of this institution. He told the opening
With an extensive program including skating session with beautiful ladies, screenings and a lively dance that lasted well into the night. To give prominence to the solemn opening ceremony will be local adorns the arms of Spain between national flags and Red Cross.
was the "Kursaal" a huge wooden pavilion. A recreation room equipped with the most track time in Spain, where they had room cinema with films sessions every three hours, dancing with bands, skating, billiards, hockey, Boling, shooting, gymnastics and even bullfighting, for in the first months of operation and initiative of several fans were dealt a steer during a skid. Also in 1913 had lugar en este salón encuentros de lucha grecorromana.
A lo largo de su período de funcionamiento el Salón “Kursaal” experimentó varias transformaciones; siendo una de las primeras en el año 1916, cuando alteró su configuración interna para poder servir de teatro de variedades y comedias.
La fachada del antiguo barracón de madera del “Kursaal”, era detestable, y prueba de ello es que no ha llegado hasta nosotros ninguna imagen completa de la misma. Sucediendo algo parecido con la del “Alfonso XIII”, si bien gracias a la proximidad de este último a un espacio amplio y descubierto como es la Plaza de España, posibilitó que se pudiera apreciar en algunas vistas aéreas taken from military aircraft.
The term Kursaal
We must remember that the term derives from the words Kursaal German kur (cure) and saal (lounge). A multi-purpose facility it acquired its full meaning in the spa, where after an ostentatious entry were dance halls, theaters, plays, concerts and even a restaurant.
name was also used to designate similar buildings and resorts, while France took the name of Casino.
In our country the most important Kursaal hall was built in San Sebastian, which lasted between 1921 and 1973. Landmark name restored in 1999 for a new multifunctional building work of the famous architect Rafael Moneo and home to the headquarters of the Festival de Cine de San Sebastián.
load Workshop During more than a year and by military necessity arising from the Annual broken, between the August 15, 1921 and November 10, 1922, facilities at the "Salon Kursaal" by then owned by Mr. Rico and Red, were seized by the Authority. Settling in their enormous wooden hut a temporary workshop loading missiles and artillery shells. Workshop
burden of war artifacts caused great alarm in the town of Melilla, stored in it, a wooden building, large amounts of gunpowder easy to operate and be located well outside the factory's electricity "Spain" GASELEC , whose poor performance engines with continuous vibrations produced . Al
reopen in late 1922, the Kursaal began to offer cinematic entertainment.
Rico and Red entrepreneurs also owned salons Theatre Queen Victoria "and" Imperial ".
Prospectus 1916,
time changes were the last years of the twenties and early thirties, a period of political and economic crisis in Spain. Turbulent period that coincided in the western world with great technological improvements in the field of cinema, which powerfully influenced the growth of projected films to the detriment of the hitherto usual theater and varieties. While
represented the biggest innovation in sound films, which after many attempts to reach an acceptable level of quality around the year 1930.
In Melilla these profound changes were also reflected in a time when the military garrison in their area of \u200b\u200binfluence was drastically reduced after the end of the campaigns of pacification of the Protectorate in 1927. And when two of its most important halls had to face a serious challenge: to be demolished and converted into new premises or demolition and disappearance on the grounds that did not meet the minimum legal requirements for operation. We refer to the halls Alfonso XIII and Kursaal.
not in vain in a "Report on the current conditions at the premises for public entertainment in this city," signed by the engineer Francisco de las Cuevas and the architect Enrique Nieto, dated early April 1927 and kept in the Archives Administration of Alcala de Henares. Facilitated by the Official Chronicler of the City, Don Antonio Bravo in August 1998, is expressed with regard to the premises mentioned: Alfonso XIII
Theater: It is installed in a wooden shack around him, and in a state of ruin. It is essential to close this place, because when you least expect can sink the whole deck, and cause casualties if done in time to be occupied by the local public.
Kursaal Hall: Local theater and cinema intended. It is also a shed full of wood and roofing material is roofing felt, the intended audience is apparently in good strength, not the scenario that threatens to fall, because their right feet are highly inclined, despite have been reinforced with iron straps.
This place qualifies to be among those laid down in Article 134 of the Rules of Entertainment and temporary buildings, but changing the material covered by that provision prohibited the use of covers impregnated with tar or other flammable material, and reformed stage. But considering that more than thirteen years ago started, it is time to force him to comply with Articles 113, 114, 115, 116, etc. Shows Regulations, whereby the walls of facades, stage mouth and adjacent to other homes will be masonry, and roof trusses are exposed to the iron, and generally all matters relating to permanent premises for public entertainment " .
addition, this report indicated that in the Imperial Hall could keep offering film showings, but no variety in which to act more than two people at once. I called at the end of Pigeon Shooting Hall, located in the neighborhood and intended for Real cabaret, not to meet any of the requirements, as well as provisional bullring, situated next to the beach of the Horse.
In recent years, particularly in the month of December 1931 two new cinemas were opened in Melilla, the "Goya" which was located in the neighborhood polygon and the "Alhambra" between neighborhoods and Cabrerizas J Low Battery.
Film Front National did
only theater in downtown
Mr. Rico, in view of the complicated situation that presented the entertainment businesses in our city. In 1930 decided to close the "Imperial Room" and undertake the demolition of the "Kursaal" to build on its site a new facility initially for projections. While reserving its back room to transform it into a theater if developments require it.
In February 1930 the Municipal Board agreed to authorize Mr. Rico Albert, detached and Mr. Red, the construction of a cinema, a new "Kursaal" to be aligned with the building of the Chamber of Commerce and fully comply with the conditions imposed by the Entertainment Commission Melilla. Recall that the primitive
"Kursaal" did not meet the rules of entertainment, and even the Permanent Session of the Municipal (City Hall) at the beginning of the month of June 1928, required its transformation as pages collected local newspaper The Telegram Rif ", dated June 3, 1928:" Permanent Session of the Municipal Board. Kursaal hut is communicated to the owner proceed to free a piece of road which it has enjoyed for the effects of urbanization of land next to the local ... (and) taking place before year-end work under the ordinances ". Also indicate Alfonso XIII on the theater, "he reiterates the landlord before 31 December this year, will undertake the demolition of that local, as well as booths Plaza of Spain."
These measures were part of a comprehensive set of actions promoted by the Municipal Board, a provisional body straddling the Board of Excise and the City, led by journalist and engineer Candido Lobera Francisco de las Cuevas, in order to beautify the city.
After put into operation the new cinema "Kursaal", in 1932 opened the Teatro-Cine "Perelló" and finished building the cinema “Monumental”. Quedando únicamente como teatros en la ciudad las salas del “Reina Victoria”, denominado “España” tras la proclamación de la II República y el Perelló. Situación que aprovechó el Sr. Rico como propietario del “España” y nuevo “Kursaal” para derribar el primero en 1934 y transformar el segundo en teatro- cine a lo largo del año siguiente, en 1935. Construyendo un escenario y los correspondientes camerinos sobre el solar que había dejado libre junto al edificio de la Cámara de Comercio. A partir de ese momento el “Kursaal” fue el único teatro ubicado en el centro de la ciudad.
Mr. Rico, in view of the complicated situation that presented the entertainment businesses in our city. In 1930 decided to close the "Imperial Room" and undertake the demolition of the "Kursaal" to build on its site a new facility initially for projections. While reserving its back room to transform it into a theater if developments require it.
In February 1930 the Municipal Board agreed to authorize Mr. Rico Albert, detached and Mr. Red, the construction of a cinema, a new "Kursaal" to be aligned with the building of the Chamber of Commerce and fully comply with the conditions imposed by the Entertainment Commission Melilla. Recall that the primitive
"Kursaal" did not meet the rules of entertainment, and even the Permanent Session of the Municipal (City Hall) at the beginning of the month of June 1928, required its transformation as pages collected local newspaper The Telegram Rif ", dated June 3, 1928:" Permanent Session of the Municipal Board. Kursaal hut is communicated to the owner proceed to free a piece of road which it has enjoyed for the effects of urbanization of land next to the local ... (and) taking place before year-end work under the ordinances ". Also indicate Alfonso XIII on the theater, "he reiterates the landlord before 31 December this year, will undertake the demolition of that local, as well as booths Plaza of Spain."
These measures were part of a comprehensive set of actions promoted by the Municipal Board, a provisional body straddling the Board of Excise and the City, led by journalist and engineer Candido Lobera Francisco de las Cuevas, in order to beautify the city.
After put into operation the new cinema "Kursaal", in 1932 opened the Teatro-Cine "Perelló" and finished building the cinema “Monumental”. Quedando únicamente como teatros en la ciudad las salas del “Reina Victoria”, denominado “España” tras la proclamación de la II República y el Perelló. Situación que aprovechó el Sr. Rico como propietario del “España” y nuevo “Kursaal” para derribar el primero en 1934 y transformar el segundo en teatro- cine a lo largo del año siguiente, en 1935. Construyendo un escenario y los correspondientes camerinos sobre el solar que había dejado libre junto al edificio de la Cámara de Comercio. A partir de ese momento el “Kursaal” fue el único teatro ubicado en el centro de la ciudad.
National Film Interior
New "Kursaal"
On May 19, 1930 began to topple the old wooden hut to build on its site a new building initially for film and later also theater. And capacity to accommodate 2500 spectators. He got up the new building, masonry and according to a draft Enrique Nieto y Nieto. The work was executed by the contractor Pedro Martínez Rosas, and was renamed "Gran Teatro Kursaal. And when they had barely
five months after the start of construction, the local entertainment opened on October 31, 1930. Obviously provisionally, as the works continue to evolve, although the newspaper El Rif Telegram "same day 31 in the first page described the event as" opening. "
Although we believe that the actual opening of the new store owned by Mr. Rafael Rico, would be delayed until Tuesday, April 14, 1931, when there was the beginning of sound film sessions with the German film titled in English "I just wanted you to you. " A film spoken and sung that was received with great satisfaction by the public. Then the newspaper El Rif Telegram published a short review which outlined the lack minor faults such as carpet cushion for the steps the public and tapestries guarding the gates, since the absence of these simple elements greatly distracted attention viewers. My grandfather Juan Díez
Corona, around 1934, coinciding with the transformation in theater, worked in the "Gran Teatro Kursaal.
National Film
During the year 1937 the theater "Kursaal" change its name by "National Theatre" in response to government guidelines of the new nationalist and dictatorial regime that sought to English names instead of foreigners.
, making it the largest movie theater in Melilla, after closing in 1982 of "Monumental." And so, during the Film Week was transformed into the Festival Palace.
Prospectus of 1946
New "Kursaal"
On May 19, 1930 began to topple the old wooden hut to build on its site a new building initially for film and later also theater. And capacity to accommodate 2500 spectators. He got up the new building, masonry and according to a draft Enrique Nieto y Nieto. The work was executed by the contractor Pedro Martínez Rosas, and was renamed "Gran Teatro Kursaal. And when they had barely
five months after the start of construction, the local entertainment opened on October 31, 1930. Obviously provisionally, as the works continue to evolve, although the newspaper El Rif Telegram "same day 31 in the first page described the event as" opening. "
Although we believe that the actual opening of the new store owned by Mr. Rafael Rico, would be delayed until Tuesday, April 14, 1931, when there was the beginning of sound film sessions with the German film titled in English "I just wanted you to you. " A film spoken and sung that was received with great satisfaction by the public. Then the newspaper El Rif Telegram published a short review which outlined the lack minor faults such as carpet cushion for the steps the public and tapestries guarding the gates, since the absence of these simple elements greatly distracted attention viewers. My grandfather Juan Díez
Corona, around 1934, coinciding with the transformation in theater, worked in the "Gran Teatro Kursaal.
National Film
During the year 1937 the theater "Kursaal" change its name by "National Theatre" in response to government guidelines of the new nationalist and dictatorial regime that sought to English names instead of foreigners.
, making it the largest movie theater in Melilla, after closing in 1982 of "Monumental." And so, during the Film Week was transformed into the Festival Palace.
Prospectus of 1946
Rafael Rico Albert
Owner first theater "Kursaal" which was our city, born on March 12, 1877 in the town of Villena, Alicante. While his family reside in Catalonia. He was a businessman dedicated to the theater that was installed in Melilla from 1909, because in December the following year opened its local ownership "Imperial Room." Years later, around 1916 also regentaría the "Amusement Park". Also share ownership of showrooms "Queen Victoria", "Imperial" and "Kursaal" with businessman Jose Rojo. Until theaters disappeared "Queen Victoria" and "Imperial", Don Rafael Rico took the full ownership of the new "Kursaal" built in 1930, and the "English Room" and "Real Cinema", both set in the Barrio del Real and "Alhambra" with frontages to the streets Colombia Cabrerizas Quarter Quarter Losses and Battery Palafox J.
In September 1918 Rafael Rico suffered the death of his first wife, Dona Elena Vidal Ruiz. After contracting a new marriage with Miss Matilda Moreno.
Coinciding with the decline of theater in Melilla, Rafael Rico establish his residence in Manchester in the mid-thirties. Andalusian capital where exercise as manager of the "Society of Shows." Where he died on March 15, 1958, counting 81 years of age.
The celebrated journalist Jaime Mariscal in Ghent, was brother of Don Rafael Rico. Then he married a sister of the second wife of Mr. Rico. Ghent Seafood
worked as a journalist in Melilla for a time, starting in 1912 when he arrived as Cavalry Regiment soldier Alcántara, and then from Madrid, where the set, sent regularly to local newspapers telegraphic current affairs.
A son of Judge James Marisca exercise and a daughter, Margaret, would hold the post of Minister of Justice.
In 1956, coinciding with the independence of Morocco Don Rafael Rico decided to transfer its film business in the family Melilla Pérez Hernández, owner of a theater chain spread across the provinces of Albacete, Murcia and Alicante. A family also has roots in the population Villena, Alicante, where Mr. Rico was born. And being one of its members, José Pérez Hernández responsible for managing the premises of our city, a task that for some time shared with a brother of the former owner, Juan Rico, who died in Manchester on June 28, 1962 at 72 years old. While finally, José Pérez Hernández years later as a sole proprietor would be leaving their relatives these businesses.
Masthead
These days the word Kursaal again on the news in Melilla, reopened the old premises which bore his name until 1937. And after an impressive reform. A triumph of citizenship than willing to tell theatrical quality, as was once the city has found a positive and successful response of local government.
trust that theatrical evenings will bring us this brand new "Kursaal" follow the successful path of its predecessor, and which is faithful heir, drama "Queen Victoria". Which was also owned by Mr. Rico Albert and whose stage act the best domestic companies, offering the best seasons of shows that met Melilla.
Article published in "The Local Gazette, a supplement of the newspaper Melilla Hoy, the jueves17 March 2011. With the title "The old Kursaal Melilla: its history and secrets."
Juan Díez, is author of Melilla and the world of the image. Approach to photography, Film and Television ", published by the Autonomous City Melilla in 1997. And co-author of "Memories of Cinema. Melilla, Ceuta and the North of Morocco ", edited by the Autonomous City of Melilla in 1999 .
Owner first theater "Kursaal" which was our city, born on March 12, 1877 in the town of Villena, Alicante. While his family reside in Catalonia. He was a businessman dedicated to the theater that was installed in Melilla from 1909, because in December the following year opened its local ownership "Imperial Room." Years later, around 1916 also regentaría the "Amusement Park". Also share ownership of showrooms "Queen Victoria", "Imperial" and "Kursaal" with businessman Jose Rojo. Until theaters disappeared "Queen Victoria" and "Imperial", Don Rafael Rico took the full ownership of the new "Kursaal" built in 1930, and the "English Room" and "Real Cinema", both set in the Barrio del Real and "Alhambra" with frontages to the streets Colombia Cabrerizas Quarter Quarter Losses and Battery Palafox J.
In September 1918 Rafael Rico suffered the death of his first wife, Dona Elena Vidal Ruiz. After contracting a new marriage with Miss Matilda Moreno.
Coinciding with the decline of theater in Melilla, Rafael Rico establish his residence in Manchester in the mid-thirties. Andalusian capital where exercise as manager of the "Society of Shows." Where he died on March 15, 1958, counting 81 years of age.
The celebrated journalist Jaime Mariscal in Ghent, was brother of Don Rafael Rico. Then he married a sister of the second wife of Mr. Rico. Ghent Seafood
worked as a journalist in Melilla for a time, starting in 1912 when he arrived as Cavalry Regiment soldier Alcántara, and then from Madrid, where the set, sent regularly to local newspapers telegraphic current affairs.
A son of Judge James Marisca exercise and a daughter, Margaret, would hold the post of Minister of Justice.
In 1956, coinciding with the independence of Morocco Don Rafael Rico decided to transfer its film business in the family Melilla Pérez Hernández, owner of a theater chain spread across the provinces of Albacete, Murcia and Alicante. A family also has roots in the population Villena, Alicante, where Mr. Rico was born. And being one of its members, José Pérez Hernández responsible for managing the premises of our city, a task that for some time shared with a brother of the former owner, Juan Rico, who died in Manchester on June 28, 1962 at 72 years old. While finally, José Pérez Hernández years later as a sole proprietor would be leaving their relatives these businesses.
Masthead
These days the word Kursaal again on the news in Melilla, reopened the old premises which bore his name until 1937. And after an impressive reform. A triumph of citizenship than willing to tell theatrical quality, as was once the city has found a positive and successful response of local government.
trust that theatrical evenings will bring us this brand new "Kursaal" follow the successful path of its predecessor, and which is faithful heir, drama "Queen Victoria". Which was also owned by Mr. Rico Albert and whose stage act the best domestic companies, offering the best seasons of shows that met Melilla.
Article published in "The Local Gazette, a supplement of the newspaper Melilla Hoy, the jueves17 March 2011. With the title "The old Kursaal Melilla: its history and secrets."
Juan Díez, is author of Melilla and the world of the image. Approach to photography, Film and Television ", published by the Autonomous City Melilla in 1997. And co-author of "Memories of Cinema. Melilla, Ceuta and the North of Morocco ", edited by the Autonomous City of Melilla in 1999 .
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