Frida modern dance show at Al-Gumhouriya Theatre is not to be missed - Music and dance - Al-Ahram Weekly
Arab Music Institute
22 Ramsis St, Tel 02 2574 3373
Sun 29, 9pm: The Arab Music Heritage Ensemble in a repertoire of classical Arab songs.
Arab Oud House (Beit Al-Harrawi)
Mohamed Abdu St, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, Tel 02 2510 4174
Every Sunday, 8pm (Free entry): The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments, founded by artist Zakariya El-Hagawy, performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments.
Beit Al-Seheimi
Al-Moez St, Al-Darb Al Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865
Every Friday, 8pm (Free entry): 'Alaragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel' (The Karakouz and The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat.
Cairo Opera House
Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144
Main Hall
Sat 28, 9pm: The Cairo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Ahmed El-Saedi, together with A Cappella Choir and featuring soprano Malak El-Shafie, alto Gala El-Hadidi, tenor Amr Medhat, baritone Reda El-Wakil, will perform Beethoven's Symphony No 9.
Sun 29, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre's ballet class performs Giselle ballet.
Mon 30, 9pm: The Cairo Opera House celebrates the 30 June Revolution.
Open-Air Theatre
Fri 27, 9pm: The Little Fingers Orchestra, led by maestro Ragui El-Moqadam.
Small Hall
Fri 27 and Sat 28, 9pm: The Cairo Opera Company performs German songs and poems.
Al-Ghouri Dome
111 Al-Azhar St, Al-Ghouriya, Tel 02 2506 0227
Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7pm).
Al-Gumhouriya Theatre
12 Al-Gumhouriya St, Abdin, Tel 02 2390 7707
Thurs 26, 9pm: The Modern Dance Theatre Company performs Frida show, choreographed and directed by Sally Ahmed.
Mon 30, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre's Youth and Children Choir gives a concert to celebrate 30 June Revolution.
Makan
1 Saad Zaghloul St, Al-Mounira, Cairo, Tel 2792 0878
Every Tuesday, 8pm: Mawawil features vocalists Hend and Sara in a repertoire of traditional music of the Nile Delta, Al Jaafra music played by Arab Tribes from Aswan and Nass Makan band.
Every Wednesday, 8pm: Zar music and songs by Mazaher ensemble featuring Umm Sameh, Umm Hassan and Nour Al-Sabah.
Room Art Space & Café 10 Etihad Al Mohamin, Garden City, Tel 01000 068 159
Thurs 26, 9pm: Open Mic.
Fri 27, 8pm: Paranoid Eyes.
Sat 28, 8pm: 'ECHOES OF THE EARTH: Folk Songs Through Time' concert features Egyptian-Canadian guitarist Ali Omar El-Farouk.
Tues 1 July, 8pm: Karaoke night.
Thurs 3 July, 9pm: A night of music with the singer Mahmoud Fadl and his band.
The Spot mall, infront of AUC Gate 4, New Cairo
Thurs 26, 9pm: Karaoke night.
Sun 29, 9pm: Comedy stuff vol 17 stand-up comedy show.
Thurs 3 July, 9pm: Karaoke night.
Rawabet Art Space
5 Hussien Pasha El-Meaamar St. ext. of Mahmoud Bassiouny St, Maarouf, Qasr El Nil, Downtown
Sat 28, 8pm: MEDIC is celebrating their 20 years anniversary in a can't miss historic show. The Progressive Rock / Metal Egyptian band was founded in 2005.
El Sawy Culturewheel
End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448
River Hall
Thurs 26, 8pm: Singing recital by Wael El-Fashny.
Sun 29, 8pm (standing): A tribute to One Direction concert by 1D Rewind band.
Tues 1 July, 8pm: El Wasla band in a concert of nostalgia.
Wisdom Hall
Fri 27, 8pm: Cassette 90s
Mon 30, 8pm: Syrian singer Majd El-Kassem.
Teatro Arkan
Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt
Thurs 26, 8pm: Syrian-Armenian singer and songwriter Lena Chamamyan will give a magical concert titled Sohab (Mates).
On this special night, she will launch her new album, Sohab —her first release in nearly 10 years.
Tues 1 July, 8pm: NASSER, the most trending voice of the year is bringing his hits to the stage for one unforgettable night.
ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre)
Fouad St, Mahatat Al-Raml, Alexandria, Tel 03/486 5106
Fri 27, 9pm: The Alexandria Opera String Orchestra, conducted by maestro Sherif Mohie Eldeen celebrates the World Music Day performing great works for strings. Sweet Sound band, conducted by maestro Mounir Nasr Eldeen, performs selections of the most famous melodies and songs.
Thurs 3 July, 9pm: World of Arts ballet company concert.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999
Conference Centre Small Hall
Fri 27, 8pm: Closing ceremony of the artistic season 'Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Classification 125 (Choral Symphony) presents a concert by Bibliotheca Alexandrina Orchestra, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Youth Orchestra, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina Choir, conducted by maestro Ahmed Farag.
Sat 28, 8pm: 'Nostalgic Themes' concert features mega star Ali El-Haggar.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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Al-Ahram Weekly
13 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Frida modern dance show at Al-Gumhouriya Theatre is not to be missed - Music and dance - Al-Ahram Weekly
Arab Music Institute 22 Ramsis St, Tel 02 2574 3373 Sun 29, 9pm: The Arab Music Heritage Ensemble in a repertoire of classical Arab songs. Arab Oud House (Beit Al-Harrawi) Mohamed Abdu St, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, Tel 02 2510 4174 Every Sunday, 8pm (Free entry): The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments, founded by artist Zakariya El-Hagawy, performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments. Beit Al-Seheimi Al-Moez St, Al-Darb Al Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865 Every Friday, 8pm (Free entry): 'Alaragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel' (The Karakouz and The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat. Cairo Opera House Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144 Main Hall Sat 28, 9pm: The Cairo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Ahmed El-Saedi, together with A Cappella Choir and featuring soprano Malak El-Shafie, alto Gala El-Hadidi, tenor Amr Medhat, baritone Reda El-Wakil, will perform Beethoven's Symphony No 9. Sun 29, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre's ballet class performs Giselle ballet. Mon 30, 9pm: The Cairo Opera House celebrates the 30 June Revolution. Open-Air Theatre Fri 27, 9pm: The Little Fingers Orchestra, led by maestro Ragui El-Moqadam. Small Hall Fri 27 and Sat 28, 9pm: The Cairo Opera Company performs German songs and poems. Al-Ghouri Dome 111 Al-Azhar St, Al-Ghouriya, Tel 02 2506 0227 Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7pm). Al-Gumhouriya Theatre 12 Al-Gumhouriya St, Abdin, Tel 02 2390 7707 Thurs 26, 9pm: The Modern Dance Theatre Company performs Frida show, choreographed and directed by Sally Ahmed. Mon 30, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre's Youth and Children Choir gives a concert to celebrate 30 June Revolution. Makan 1 Saad Zaghloul St, Al-Mounira, Cairo, Tel 2792 0878 Every Tuesday, 8pm: Mawawil features vocalists Hend and Sara in a repertoire of traditional music of the Nile Delta, Al Jaafra music played by Arab Tribes from Aswan and Nass Makan band. Every Wednesday, 8pm: Zar music and songs by Mazaher ensemble featuring Umm Sameh, Umm Hassan and Nour Al-Sabah. Room Art Space & Café 10 Etihad Al Mohamin, Garden City, Tel 01000 068 159 Thurs 26, 9pm: Open Mic. Fri 27, 8pm: Paranoid Eyes. Sat 28, 8pm: 'ECHOES OF THE EARTH: Folk Songs Through Time' concert features Egyptian-Canadian guitarist Ali Omar El-Farouk. Tues 1 July, 8pm: Karaoke night. Thurs 3 July, 9pm: A night of music with the singer Mahmoud Fadl and his band. The Spot mall, infront of AUC Gate 4, New Cairo Thurs 26, 9pm: Karaoke night. Sun 29, 9pm: Comedy stuff vol 17 stand-up comedy show. Thurs 3 July, 9pm: Karaoke night. Rawabet Art Space 5 Hussien Pasha El-Meaamar St. ext. of Mahmoud Bassiouny St, Maarouf, Qasr El Nil, Downtown Sat 28, 8pm: MEDIC is celebrating their 20 years anniversary in a can't miss historic show. The Progressive Rock / Metal Egyptian band was founded in 2005. El Sawy Culturewheel End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448 River Hall Thurs 26, 8pm: Singing recital by Wael El-Fashny. Sun 29, 8pm (standing): A tribute to One Direction concert by 1D Rewind band. Tues 1 July, 8pm: El Wasla band in a concert of nostalgia. Wisdom Hall Fri 27, 8pm: Cassette 90s Mon 30, 8pm: Syrian singer Majd El-Kassem. Teatro Arkan Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt Thurs 26, 8pm: Syrian-Armenian singer and songwriter Lena Chamamyan will give a magical concert titled Sohab (Mates). On this special night, she will launch her new album, Sohab —her first release in nearly 10 years. Tues 1 July, 8pm: NASSER, the most trending voice of the year is bringing his hits to the stage for one unforgettable night. ALEXANDRIA Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) Fouad St, Mahatat Al-Raml, Alexandria, Tel 03/486 5106 Fri 27, 9pm: The Alexandria Opera String Orchestra, conducted by maestro Sherif Mohie Eldeen celebrates the World Music Day performing great works for strings. Sweet Sound band, conducted by maestro Mounir Nasr Eldeen, performs selections of the most famous melodies and songs. Thurs 3 July, 9pm: World of Arts ballet company concert. Bibliotheca Alexandrina Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999 Conference Centre Small Hall Fri 27, 8pm: Closing ceremony of the artistic season 'Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Classification 125 (Choral Symphony) presents a concert by Bibliotheca Alexandrina Orchestra, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Youth Orchestra, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina Choir, conducted by maestro Ahmed Farag. Sat 28, 8pm: 'Nostalgic Themes' concert features mega star Ali El-Haggar. * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
14 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
From Cairo to world: Egypt's Academy of Arts redefines Middle Eastern arts education with global vision
In the heart of Egypt's bustling capital, along the timeless banks of the Nile where millennia-old civilisations meet the pulse of contemporary life, the Egyptian Academy of Arts stands tall as a pioneering educational and cultural institution in the Arab world. For over six decades, the Academy has established itself as a driving force in Middle Eastern arts education — a living testament to Egypt's ability to intertwine heritage with modernity, safeguarding its cultural roots while embracing global innovation. Today, amid a rapidly evolving technological and digital arts landscape, the Academy positions itself at the forefront, investing in artificial intelligence, language education, and international partnerships to chart a new course for arts education in the region. A Unique Institution in the Arab World Since the enactment of Law No. 78 of 1969, which formally established the Academy's structure and its nine specialised higher institutes, it has remained unrivalled in the Middle East. These institutes include cinema, theatre, music, ballet, folk arts, art criticism, children's arts, applied arts, and, most recently, the Institute of Arts and Multimedia Translation. This unparalleled institutional diversity has enabled the Academy to remain a consistent source of artistic and cultural talent, preserving Arab artistic identity while producing contemporary creators equipped to navigate the challenges of a globalised market. Visionary Leadership This storied institution owes its stature to generations of figures who left indelible marks on its trajectory. Among them is the pioneering theatre scholar Madkour Thabet, who laid the foundations for academic theatre education in Egypt, insisting that art must carry a profound social and civilisational message. Thabet's approach — fusing intellectual depth with practical training — transformed the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts into a crucible for actors and directors who continue to enrich Egypt's and the wider Arab world's cultural scenes. Though his role was foundational in the mid-20th century, his influence endures in the Academy's curricula and its ever-evolving theatrical productions. Equally instrumental was Ashraf Zaki, the renowned Egyptian actor and head of the Actors' Syndicate, who led the Academy during a pivotal period. Under his tenure, the Academy underwent a sweeping infrastructural renaissance — from renovating its institute theatres to inaugurating a modern Roman Theatre and establishing the Open Street Library. Zaki revitalised derelict spaces, converting them into dynamic classrooms and performance venues. His presidency concluded in July 2021 upon reaching the official retirement age, yet his legacy lives on through numerous milestones, including the widely celebrated student-led campaign 'Thank You, Ashraf Zaki.' Today, he remains an active cultural leader, honoured at events such as the Jerash International Festival 2024 and community gatherings as recently as June 2025. Currently, the Academy is helmed by Ghada Gabarah, an accomplished film editor and cinema professor, who assumed leadership in July 2021. Gabarah has distinguished herself by combining artistic expertise with academic acumen, championing a bold vision that integrates artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology into arts education. Under her stewardship, the Academy has undergone a quiet but substantial digital transformation, including the launch of a comprehensive online platform and the incorporation of smart educational tools. Initiatives such as founding the Institute of Arts and Multimedia Translation and organising the Theatrical Spaces Festival have earned her discreet but consistent acclaim from students and Egypt's arts community — an understated recognition of her ability to enact internationally resonant reforms without media fanfare. A Comprehensive Digital Vision During Gabarah's tenure, the Academy has fully embraced AI systems across its academic programmes — from automated scenario analysis and digital visual effects design to AI-driven musical composition. It regularly organises student competitions to produce short films using virtual reality technologies. In a landmark move, the Academy also merged its efforts in specialised arts translation and multilingual education by establishing the Higher Institute for Literary and Multimedia Arts Translation — a visionary project led by Enas Abdel Khalek. This ambitious initiative blends advanced translation studies with art history and digital production skills. The institute offers intensive programmes in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German, alongside practical workshops translating film scripts, stage plays, operas, and musical scores. Strongly supported by Gabarah — who recognises the unspoken power of language as a civilisational bridge — this merger has enhanced students' abilities to render Arab artistic productions in multiple world languages while faithfully interpreting international works for Arab audiences. As ever, Gabarah allows the initiatives to speak eloquently for their architect. Global Partnerships In recent years, the Academy has embarked on unprecedented international collaborations, cementing its status as a global cultural hub. These partnerships include: Hosting Global Ensembles : The Academy welcomed the Russian National Ballet, which collaborated with local ballet students on joint performances, exposing them to world-class techniques. It also hosted theatrical troupes from Italy and Spain, enriching Egypt's performing arts scene through diverse cultural exchanges. : The Academy welcomed the Russian National Ballet, which collaborated with local ballet students on joint performances, exposing them to world-class techniques. It also hosted theatrical troupes from Italy and Spain, enriching Egypt's performing arts scene through diverse cultural exchanges. Collaborating with the British University in Egypt : A formal agreement was signed to develop joint cinema and theatre programmes, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, shared workshops, and collaborative productions. This initiative gives students access to British academic methodologies, including contemporary performance analysis and documentary filmmaking techniques. : A formal agreement was signed to develop joint cinema and theatre programmes, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, shared workshops, and collaborative productions. This initiative gives students access to British academic methodologies, including contemporary performance analysis and documentary filmmaking techniques. Partnerships with France : The Academy collaborated with institutions such as the French Institute in Egypt to develop cinema and visual arts programmes, organise workshops in film direction and lighting design, and participate in events like Cairo Photo Week. Academic exchanges with the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris have further enriched Egypt's art education landscape. : The Academy collaborated with institutions such as the French Institute in Egypt to develop cinema and visual arts programmes, organise workshops in film direction and lighting design, and participate in events like Cairo Photo Week. Academic exchanges with the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris have further enriched Egypt's art education landscape. China Collaborations : In cooperation with China, the Academy signed agreements with leading Chinese arts academies to develop programmes in folk arts, music, and digital production. The exchange programme has included opera performances in Cairo and Egyptian ballet shows in Beijing, reflecting a dynamic East–West artistic dialogue. : In cooperation with China, the Academy signed agreements with leading Chinese arts academies to develop programmes in folk arts, music, and digital production. The exchange programme has included opera performances in Cairo and Egyptian ballet shows in Beijing, reflecting a dynamic East–West artistic dialogue. Erasmus+ Participation : Through the European Union's Erasmus+ programmes, the Academy enables Egyptian students to study or train at European institutions for periods ranging from two months to a full academic year. These bilateral agreements have significantly expanded students' academic and artistic horizons. : Through the European Union's Erasmus+ programmes, the Academy enables Egyptian students to study or train at European institutions for periods ranging from two months to a full academic year. These bilateral agreements have significantly expanded students' academic and artistic horizons. International Workshops and Festivals: The Academy regularly hosts international directors, scenographers, and lighting designers for training workshops and has represented Egypt at prestigious international festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, earning critical acclaim. These initiatives empower students to engage with a variety of artistic cultures while mastering modern technologies. They also bolster research and academic collaboration, enabling the Academy to offer locally rooted yet globally aware arts education — affirming Egypt's place as a regional and international cultural powerhouse. Global Impact Despite Limited Resources Despite having comparatively modest resources when measured against leading international arts institutions, the Academy has forged a global reputation for community-centred, culturally conscious education. Under the discerning leadership of Ghada Gabarah — who has expertly balanced a heritage of artistic integrity with contemporary digital and humanitarian priorities — the Academy has pioneered an educational model that merges creative instruction with social outreach and cultural development. The Academy offers free arts workshops for children and youth in working-class Cairo neighbourhoods, including Imbaba, Haram, and Faisal. Its professional-level community initiatives address complex social issues through performances and projects that rival those offered by major European and American institutions. In a powerful affirmation of cultural inclusivity, the Academy launched its 'Art Without Limits' initiative, integrating people with disabilities into Egypt's arts scene. The programme offers sensory-based workshops in tactile drawing, rhythmic music for the hearing-impaired, and inclusive theatre performances — positioning the Academy as one of the region's few institutions genuinely including differently-abled individuals in artistic production. Through environmental initiatives such as Green Arts, recycling workshops, and sustainable community activities, the Academy further demonstrates its commitment to ecological awareness and community welfare. Amid all this, the Academy — still rooted in the vision of its founding figures, who believed in art as a vocation before all else — continues to renew itself under Gabarah's thoughtful leadership, preserving a living, breathing heritage while writing new chapters of digital transformation, international outreach, and art-driven social impact. A Legacy Renewed From Madkour Thabet, the father of Egyptian academic theatre, to Ghada Gabarah's poised and quietly revolutionary integration of AI and global partnerships, Egypt's Academy of Arts remains a singular institution in the Arab world's cultural landscape. At a time when many institutions falter under economic strain, the Academy has proven that art can still be a force for education, social cohesion, and cross-cultural dialogue. From Cairo to the world, it continues to assert a rejuvenated presence in international festivals, exhibitions, and academic collaborations — affirming that Arab institutions can indeed rival their global counterparts when endowed with vision, leadership, and a capacity for reinvention. Today, the Egyptian Academy of Arts is more than a training ground for artists. It is a globally attuned Arab cultural institution, shaping a modern artistic identity and offering new generations the hope that art will forever remain among humanity's most vital tools for liberation, creativity, and renewal.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
Viu premieres Arabic Viu Original reality special, The Big Bang Birthday - Middle East Business News and Information
Five Arab influencers, one epic surprise – streaming 23 June only on Viu Viu, PCCW's leading pan regional OTT video-streaming platform, unveils its latest Arabic reality Viu Original, The Big Bang Birthday. Following the success of last year's We Wed (ليلة العمر), the special is set to premiere on 23 June exclusively on Viu. The show offers viewers a candid, culturally resonant portrait of friendship, self-expression and contemporary Arab identity in the UAE capital. It tracks four influential content creators as they plan a surprise birthday celebration for Hadeel Marei, an Egyptian digital creator known for her outspoken humour and expressive style which has helped her connect with audiences across the Arab world, including over two million Instagram followers. Hadeel's friends include Amy Roko, a Saudi content creator known for her anonymity and social commentary; Dana Halabi, a Syrian Dubai based lifestyle influencer whose warm presence and interpersonal insight ground the group dynamic; Jara, Saudi Arabia's first female rapper, navigating the intersection of music and representation; and Yussra Youssif, a Sudanese beauty and fashion creator celebrated for her striking style. The group reveals their authentic selves throughout the party-planning process, as what begins as a casual weekend transforms into a rich exploration of connections, set against Abu Dhabi's vibrant urban landscape. Filmed across key locations including Ferrari World, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Souk and Mangrove National Park, the programme weaves together moments of humour, tension and reflection. The narrative reaches its emotional peak when Hadeel receives her gift – an ultimate surprise that she did not see coming. 'The Big Bang Birthday exemplifies Viu's commitment to Arabic original productions and locally rooted storytelling that bridges entertainment and cultural insight,' said Samer Majzoub, General Manager of Viu MENA. 'The authentic emotion and relatable production style of this female-led production connect us to the cultural heartbeat of Saudi Arabia, UAE and the rest of the Arab region.' Directed by Farah Alameh, a Lebanese independent filmmaker and lecturer at Lebanese University, the special combines a clear visual identity with narrative sensitivity. Her approach balances cinematic polish with documentary realism, allowing the cast's personalities and relationships to unfold with authenticity. A private screening was held on 22 June at 7pm at VOX Cinemas, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tune in for the premiere of the episode on your mobile or connected TV, exclusively available on Viu on 23 June. For further updates and access to The Big Bang Birthday, follow Viu MENA on Instagram @Viumena or visit
