Reading and Acting: Othello, The Moor of Venice

What to do in Casablanca when the sun does not want to shine? Villa des Arts has come to the rescue with a series of theatrical readings acted by no more than 3 people. If we really enjoyed the last one, The Little Prince, the next 18 of March we can suffer along with Othello, The Moor of Venice, a well known tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1603. Othello is one of those pieces that never go out of fashion, since the main themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, are unfortunately as alive today as 500 years ago. Basically is the story of Othello, and admired moorish prince, resident of Venice, equally respected and hated for its military conquests. If anyone out there hasnt read or seen any of the thousand adaptations on screen and theater we suggest upgrading their soul for a little 20 dhs and enjoy this very intense piece of art.
Organised by Hassan El Jaï, actor and theater teacher along with the Compagnie l’Aparté.

Tuesday 18th of March 2014
Price: 20 dhs
Place: Villa des Arts, 30 boulevard Brahim Roudani Rue Abou El Kacem Chabi, Casablanca 20000, Marruecos
tel+212 22295087

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Most Useful Map of Casablanca

If you dont want to get lost in the streets of Casablanca but at the same time you are not very good reading maps dont worry, we found the solution. We found and antique map of Casablanca from the times when it used to be called Anfa in 1572 (today Anfa is just a district); equally useful for children, right-brained people and general screeming wifes on the passenger seat, with this old map of Casablanca you will fully enjoy the metropolis.

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Eglise Sacré Coeur de Casablanca...an unusual Art space

The former Cathedral of Casablanca is not your usual temple. It was built in 1930 in some neo-gothic-deco style that is not completely unpleasant for the eye and reminds for some reason the pure white churches that you find in some Greek islands. With the independence of Morocco in 1956 the building ceased all religious functions and became a cultural center where regular exhibitions are held in a space like no other. The interior is neglected yet charming, worth a visit also because is situated in the quiet Parque de la Ligue Arabe, which is also neglected and derelict, but with some rebel trees that refuse to die. Entrance is free. 

Parque de la Ligue Arabe, Casablanca, Morocco

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Snack Oujda, popular cool in the Medina

Casamood travel guide is fond of old Medinas. Its true that the Medina of Casablanca has very little charm compared with the magical alleys of the Fes Medina or even with the shopping experience of Marrakech, nonetheless, for the occasional tourist or locals in search of fake Ralph Lauren T shirts, fake Ray-ban sunglasses or fake Louis Vuitton belts it has proven to be a consistent choice. People is friendly and security is high, and if you happen to be hungry and your wallet is not big enough to take you into the gorgeous Hyatt just round the corner don't worry, because Snack Oujda is the popular-chic you're looking for. With about 15 tables all next to each other you will be rubbing shoulders with locals that will care very little about you, the place looks dirty but food is extremely fresh, on the menu: prawns, squid, hake, sole and the best of them all, swordfish. All of them deep fried and served with a homemade spicy tomato sauce, forget ketchup, this is the real thing. You can compose your own dish and the price stays the same: 40 dirhams, with bread and water included (even if its probably a good idea to order some regular Sidi Ali water unless you survived 3 years in Afghanistan). My own advice is to stick with the squid rings and the swordfish, well worth coming back. 

Old medina of Casablanca, close to the entrance of Avenue du FAR, opposite Hyatt Hotel.

No phone and no reservations taken.

 

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Marché Central, Popular Chic

One of my favorite plans in the weekend is actually one of the cheapest eats in Casablanca, in a sunny day like today there is very little things that can challenge a visit to the famous Marché Central. Located in what it used to be the center of Casablanca, the area feels now a bit neglected, but its on its way to recovery and a lot of money and effort are put into making it a decent neighborhood. Surrounded by gorgeous Art Deco buildings, the Marché Central means literally the Central Market, the place where you can find the freshest fruits, vegetables and most specially seafood. Snob people would typically send their chauffeur, make them buy and cook it all at home ; chic people like Gatsby prefers to buy it there and give it to one of the snack restaurants that will cook everything to your taste, prepare you a refreshing Moroccan salad and offer you a not-really-sugar-free mint tea. The seating area is open and its really a pleasure to sit down in actually quite comfortable plastic chairs and see what real life is all about in Casablanca, far from the bling bling of Le Cabestan. Service including cooking, drinks and salad cost about 30 dirhams per person, and the prices of seafood inside the market depend really on how touristy you look. Oysters are about 10 dhs unit, so less than a Euro, and are amazingly good. Its always a good idea to carry kleenex with you since their kind of napkin is not quite as you may like. There is usually no problem for parking there, and with the new tram is even easier, there is one stop right en front of it called very wisely "Marché Central". You can't get lost.

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Practical information about Casablanca, I

MOROCCO IS JUST 14 MILES FROM SPAINAcross the Strait of Gibraltar , Morocco is located to the extreme west of the African continent . The country covers an area of 710,850 km2 and has a coastline of 3,400 Km 2 seaboards ( 2,000 km in the Atlantic and Mediterranean in 1,500 Km ) . It has a population of 28,238,000 inhabitants, 54.5 % live in urban centers.

It is a constitutional monarchyA history rich in vestiges, this Modern country has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Different civilizations have happened : Phoenicians, Berbers , Byzantines et Romans until the arrival of the Arabs with the entry of Moulay Idriss I in the IIX Century, founder of the dynasty of the Almoravids Idrissids followed by  Almohad , Merinids , Saadiens and Alaouitas ( current Dynasty) .

 LANGUAGEArabic is the official language , besides, everyday language is colloquial Arabic (darija) and Berber dialects.Although most Moroccans speak French, many also speak spanish and english.

 RELIGIONIslam is the official religion in Morocco but coexists perfectly with other faiths .

CUSTOMSAlthough access to the mosques and holy places is forbidden to non-Muslims , visiting the Great Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca is allowed.

Mint Tea is the symbol of hospitality and is frequently offered.In the souks is use to bargain prices.Before taking photos of people isrecommended to ask their permission

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