Minna Theater
 Minna Theater by night | |
| Location | Rhea, Gandhara |
|---|---|
| Owner | City of Rhea |
| Capacity | 17,000 (concerts) |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1918–1920 |
| Opened | 21 April 1920 |
| Renovated | 1996–1997 |
| Reopened | 13 January 1996 |
The Minna Theater (Arabic: مسرح منة) is a theater, located in the center of Rhea, Gandhara. The main concert hall has a capacity of 17,000 seats and it is known for hosting several editions of Nights of Gandhara.
History
Plans to build a new theater in Rhea were already made by the Gandhari government around 1910, but the project was postponed several times due to financing problems and the tense political situation in Gandhara in the 1910s. The construction finally began in 1918 and the theater opened on 21 April 1920.
The Minna Theater was intended as a venue for classical Gandhari musicals and operas, but soon after the opening it attracted musicians and artists from other countries. It has become a multi-purpose building that attracts a broad public. Classical music and opera events, dance shows, cabaret shows, pop music concerts, festivals and many other events are being held at the venue.
The theater closed in December 1994 for a renovation and was reopened more than a year later on 13 January 1996. The building was modernized and the capacity of several halls was upgraded.
On 31 March 2015 the Minna Theater was chosen as the venue for the Outernatia Song Contest 9.