HISTORY
The first theater building in Bitola was built by order of the Bitola Walia Abdul Kerim Pasha. Its construction takes a long time, from 1897 year, when the foundations are laid, to 1906, that is, 1908/1909 year, when the scene is finally over. The building has been used for all kinds of events, from pop and circus to theatrical. The first professional theater ensemble in it has been working since 1910 to 1912 year, when the fire completely destroys it. Then the theater performances are held in several locations in the city, mostly in the Grand Hotel. From the end of 1913 to 1915 The City Theater has been operating in Bitola for a year, a professional troupe made up of former traveling actors, which plays are performed in Serbian language.
The military operations around the Thessaloniki front stop the activity of this troop in Bitola (during the 1915 year the troupe will move to Thessaloniki, so in Woden). But, they will create one of the most vital theater legends for the city: the great Sarah Bernard, visiting and entertaining the French soldiers stationed around Bitola, at the request of the Turkish Pasha (an enemy!), she allegedly played a play for the citizens as well. At least for now, this legend is not supported by any theatrical facts.
The second stage in the development of the institutional/professional theater activity in Bitola is dated from 1918 to 1926/1929, when, with varying success, the Serbian City Theater is functioning again. On the site of the burnt Turkish theater in 1926 year, the new theater building was built. In the period from 1926 to 1929 year the theater, constantly undersubsidized by the state, functions as an organizational part of the Skopje theater, until it is completely extinguished.