Iraq's Al Rasheed restoration on World Theatre Day - in pictures

The venue in Baghdad is being restored nearly two decades after it was almost completely destroyed

A volunteer walks across the stage during restoration work at Al Rasheed theatre, in Baghdad, Iraq. World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on 27 March. EPA

A view of the damaged sign of the nine-storey Baghdad Cinema Studios building, home to Al Rasheed theatre, which is currently undergoing renovations. EPA

A volunteer at work on renovating the Al Rasheed theatre. The venue was hit by allied forces airstrikes in 2003, during the Second Gulf War. EPA

The building was also severely damaged by looting, ransacking and arson, rendering it unusable. EPA

Opened in 1981, the theatre was a centre of cultural life in Baghdad, hosting Arab and international shows. EPA

A volunteer works on installing seats at Al Rasheed theatre in Baghdad.

A view of seating installed at Al Rasheed theatre. The venue has a 700-seat capacity. EPA

A volunteer stands among drums set up at Al Rasheed theatre. The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra has placed instruments there in the hope of playing at the venue again soon EPA

A double bass player takes centre stage at Al Rasheed theatre in Baghdad. Serous efforts towards reconstructing and restoring the theatre began in 2020. EPA

Al Rasheed theatre shares its Baghdad neighbourhood with a church and a mosque. Reconstruction work is due to also cover the building's cinema studios. EPA

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