Oran, Algeria | 1955-01-01 | 2014-11-13

Cherif Hadjam (in Arabic: شريف الحجام), born in 1955 in Oran in Algeria and died on November 13, 2014 in Blida in a traffic accident, is an Algerian children's theater actor, better known by his stage name of Hmimiche el Bahlaouane (The Clown). Originally from the city of Oran, Hmimiche el Bahlaouane, as the children like to call him, studied to be a dental surgeon, but abandoned them to devote himself to the theater, thus making them happy even during the dark decade during which he hosted shows on television, radio, in schools, theaters and other cultural establishments and centers. Cherif Hadjam distinguished himself during his lifetime with a career spanning more than 40 years rich in stage works, and also participated in several national cultural events intended for children, such as the 8th National Children's Theater Days in Ain Defla in 2009, the “Les Coquelicots” theater season in Tlemcen and the “Vicera du laughter” days in Biskra in 2012. He also hosted the Rai song festival in Sidi Bel Abbes in 2008. The artist, whose love for the stage made him leave his studies in dental surgery, has performed several roles in theater and cinema, mainly in revolutionary films. His last story show "Plock" which tells the story of a small drop of water, presented by his association "Arc-en-ciel" in 2008 across several wilayas of the country had seduced his young audience. Cherif Hadjam died on Thursday November 13, 2014 in a traffic accident in Blida.