Mohamed Mahboub Stambouli(1913-2000)

Mohamed El Mahboub Stambouli is considered one of the pillars of culture and the arts in Algeria. He was born in Médéa in 1913 and grew up in a conservative family. His first encounter with the boards dates back to 1920, when he had not yet reached the age of 7. He recorded his creative career in golden letters, with remarkable and rich artistic achievements (plays, operettas). In 1935, he created the club "El Hilal Erryadi" whose activities encompassed different sports disciplines as well as works of art and theatrical productions. Mohamed El Mahboub Stambouli traveled to Algiers in 1939 where he became interested in political activity, following his membership of the PPA. At the same time, he created a theatrical troupe called "Redha El Bey". During this period, he wrote many poems and patriotic hymns on behalf of the Algerian Muslim Scouts, among others the Kassida entitled "Min Jibalina" and another under the title "At the call of my homeland, I answered present ". He has also written plays including "I tell you" (Ahqui laka) "and" The crazy beach "(Medjnoun Echat)". After the events of May 8, 1945 and the rise of nationalism which resulted in the demand for freedom and independence, the French authorities prohibited the activities of the troupe, in which he played, until 1948, because of his involvement in the nationalist struggle. At the outbreak of the Revolution, Mohamed El Mahboub Stambouli joined the ranks of the National Liberation Front within it was activated. This earned him to be arrested in 1957 and will not be released until three years later. He was subsequently broadcast on national radio where he produced numerous programs on poetry and song. Among these programs, we will mention "Ahlem oua Aouham", (Dreams and imaginations) "Dounya Echabab" (the world of young people) and "Rached oua El Djouala". In addition, he created a popular theater troupe that moved from village to village. Following independence in 1962, Mohamed El Mahboub Stambouli joined the Algerian National Theater where he brought out all his energy and artistic skill. He got the first prize from the RTA, as the author of the lyrics of the song called "Taj Ezzine". Throughout his artistic career, writing has been his main occupation. He wrote 5,000 poems (Kassida), some are written in literary Arabic. It has also been translated or adapted a dozen international plays and operettas in addition to numerous film scripts and stories.