Somali National Theatre Reopens After 20 Years

Hundreds of people gathered at the Somali National Theatre for the first concert since it was shut down 20 years ago. (Photo courtesy Somali Government)

The theatre still has no roofl it was destroyed during years of civil war in Somalia. (Photo courtesy Somali Government)

Somali children sit in front the war-devastated national theatre of Somalia in the capital Mogadishu. August 8, 2006. (Reuters)

Many of Somalia's young people have never heard a concert or had access to a functioning theatre. (Photo courtesy Somali Government)

Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed credited the reopening on security gains against al-Shabab militants. (Photo courtesy Somali Government)

The Somalia Government has vowed to work with aid groups to refurbish the worn and damaged building. (Photo courtesy Somali government)