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Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
18th Egyptian National Theatre Festival features 35 plays in the main competition - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
The 18th edition of the Egyptian National Theatre Festival - scheduled to take place between 20 July and 6 August - will feature 35 plays in its main competition, as well as many other activities on the competition's sidelines. This year, the competing performances represent an extensive array of troupes, from those staged by groups operating under different sectors of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Cultural Palaces, to works by students of the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, Art House for Theatre, Cultural Palaces, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Academy of Arts, private theatres, and university theatre teams. Many of the plays have already premiered and garnered acclaim among audiences and critics alike, while others are new to the large audiences. The festival's programme will include productions by the Art House for Theatre: Carmen (directed by Nasser Abdel Moneim), Women's Prison (Youssef Mourad), Casino (Amr Hassan), Hekayat El-Sheta (Winter Tales, by Mohamed El-Ashry), Funduq El-Alamein (Hotel Alamein, by Mohamed Taye'), and others representing troupes of different Egyptian state theatres. The General Authority of Cultural Palaces will present plays by troupes from Cairo and other governorates. These include Laanat Zekar (The Curse of Zekar, directed by Ibrahim El-Sayed El-Fiqi, a play produced by Kafr El-Sheikh Troupe), Cinema 30 (directed by Mohamed El-Haddad and presented by Beheira National Troupe), Al-Yad Al-Sawda (The Black Hand, directed by Bishoy Emad and representing Port Said Specialised Troupe), and others. The Ministry of Youth and Sports will present two plays: Jarrarayn El-Sawaqi (The Waterwheel Wagons, by Ziad Hany Kamal from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts), and Enta El-Samaa W Ana El-Ard (You Are the Sky and I Am the Earth, by a troupe from Tanta University, directed by El-Saeed Mansi). Numerous other plays will showcase a variety of Egyptian talents, including, among others, Hawadit, a play written and directed by Khaled Galal as part of the graduation project of the third batch (Group A) of the Future Stars programme Galal had launched at the Creativity Centre, which he runs. Students of the Academy of Theatrical Arts will participate in the festival through several productions, including El-Wahsh (The Monster, written and directed by Mohamed Adel El-Naggar), Les Misérables (Mahmoud Abdel Razek), and Al-Awlad El-Tayyiboon Yastahikoon El-Aataf (Good Boys Deserve Sympathy, by Mohamed Ayman). A troupe from Banha University will stage Ashab El-Ard (People of the Land, directed by Mohamed Zaki), while Beni Suef University will present Mohakama El-Sayed Arthur Miller (The Trial of Mr. Arthur Miller, directed by Youssef El-Mansour). Those and several other performances celebrating local talent will fill the stages of Cairo and other cities' theatres. Besides plays, the festival will also hold several workshops and seminars. The latter will examine the intellectual and aesthetic shifts within Egyptian theatre. On the festival's sidelines, writing competitions that aim to foster young playwrights and researchers' creativity will be held. For instance, the highly anticipated playwriting competition saw the submission of more than 150 plays. The winners will be revealed during the festival's days. Launched in 2006, the Egyptian National Theatre Festival has grown to become the largest annual event focusing on Egypt's theatre movement. The festival's mission is to celebrate all forms of theatrical practices in Egypt and open dialogues between artists and critics, while creating bridges between generations of Egyptian creatives. The festival's 18th edition will take place between 20 July and 6 August. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Arab Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Samiha Ayoub, an icon of Egyptian art, dies at 93
CAIRO, June 3: The Egyptian Actors Syndicate announced on Tuesday the passing of acclaimed actress Samiha Ayoub at the age of 93, marking the end of a towering legacy in Arab theater and Egyptian performing arts. In a statement mourning the loss, the syndicate described Ayyoub — widely known as the "Lady of Arab Theater"—as "an icon of Egyptian art," emphasizing that her contributions remain a milestone in the history of theatrical and television performance. Head of the Actors Syndicate, Ashraf Zaki, along with the board of directors, extended heartfelt condolences to her family and fans across Egypt and the Arab world. Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Heno also expressed sorrow over her death, stating that "artist Samiha Ayoub passed away after a rich artistic career that spanned decades, during which she influenced cultural and artistic life in Egypt and the Arab world with timeless works." Heno described the late artist as "a model of a loyal and creative national artist who devoted her life to art and gifted her audience with an exceptional journey of creativity and uniqueness." He added that her works "will remain beacons illuminating the path of future generations, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her admirers." He stressed that her death represents "a huge loss to Egyptian and Arab art," citing her significant artistic and humanitarian value and a distinguished career that left behind an enduring legacy. Born in the Shubra district of Cairo, Samiha Ayoub graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1953, where she studied under renowned theater director Zaki Tulaimat. Ayoub's prolific artistic career spanned nearly 170 theatrical productions, along with a wide array of acclaimed film and television roles. Her most notable films include Land of Hypocrisy, Between the Ruins, Dawn of Islam, With Happiness, and Teta Raheeba. She also starred in influential television series such as Stray Light, Awane El Ward, and Al Masrawiya. Throughout her career, Ayoub received numerous honors, including presidential decorations from Egypt, Syria, and France, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the arts.
Gulf Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Emirati cultural icons Dr Habib Ghuloom and Ali Al Khawar honoured in a ceremony
Emirati author, playwright, director, producer and actor Dr Habib Ghuloom Al Attar and celebrated poet Ali Al Khawar were honored for their enduring contributions to the UAE. The two of the nation's cultural luminaries were feted in a ceremony held at the residence of Omar Mohammed Zubair Al Marzooqi—former UAE national handball player, Al Nasr Club star, and a major in Dubai Police. Surrounded by friends, dignitaries, and admirers, the ceremony was a testament to the deep appreciation for their unwavering loyalty, love, and devotion to their crafts and to the UAE. As voices of heritage and identity, Habib Ghuloom's dramatic mastery and Ali Al-Khawar's poetic brilliance have long echoed the spirit of the nation. Their extraordinary achievements, etched in the cultural fabric of the UAE, continue to inspire generations. In honoring these icons, he reminded all in attendance of the values that bind the Emirati people: loyalty, pride, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the name of their beloved homeland. In the rich cultural landscape of the UAE, few figures have left as deep and enduring a mark as Dr. Habib. An actor, director, academic, and cultural leader, his journey has been one of dedication to the arts, unwavering vision, and a commitment to shaping the future of theatre and performance in the region. His story began not on a grand stage, but with a passion for storytelling and performance that led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Acting and Directing at the prestigious Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Kuwait, graduating in 1987. From there, his pursuit of knowledge and mastery took him to Cairo, where he earned both a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master's degree in theatre from the Academy of Arts. But he didn't stop there—driven by curiosity and a thirst for academic excellence, Dr. Habib earned his Ph.D. in Theatrical Literature from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom in 1999. Armed with academic prowess and creative insight, Dr. Habib returned to the UAE, not just to create, but to lead. He served as Cultural Advisor at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, where his voice helped shape national policies and initiatives that supported Emirati artists and preserved the country's heritage. His leadership extended across the region through his roles as Secretary-General of the Theatre Artists Association, board member of the Arab Theatre Authority, and Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, among others. Yet, Dr. Habib is not just a man of titles—he is a man of action. He directed multiple editions of the Gulf Theatre and Film Festivals, bringing together talent from across the Arab world. He has been the consistent force behind the Children's Theatre Festival since 2007, nurturing the imagination of the young and sowing the seeds of a new generation of performers. He also spearheaded the University Theatre Festival, empowering emerging artists and students to find their voices on stage. He is also a proud member of the UAE Government Leaders Programme, a member of the UAE Writers and Authors Union, and an active participant in GCC and international cultural meetings, representing the UAE with dignity and purpose. Ali Al Khawar is more than just a poet—he is a voice that speaks to the heart of the Emirati identity. With his masterful use of Nabati poetry, he has immortalized national pride, and beautifully portrayed the love of the homeland.
Egypt Today
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Yehia El-Fakharany's King Lear Will Be Staged at the National Theater After Eid Al-Fitr 2025
Dr. Ayman El-Shiwi, Dean of the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and Director of the National Theater announced that the play King Lear, starring Yehia El-Fakharany and directed by Shady Sorour Ali, will be staged again at the National Theater after Eid Al-Fitr 2025. Shakespeare's King Lear tells the story of King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. His youngest daughter refuses to flatter him, so he disinherits her. He then sets a condition that he will live with each daughter for a certain period while distributing his wealth. However, his daughters conspire to seize everything for themselves.
