Latest news with #EgyptianNationalTheatreFestival
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian National Theatre Festival kicks off its 18th edition - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
The 18th edition of the Egyptian National Theatre Festival launched on Sunday, 20 July, with an inaugural ceremony at the Cairo Opera House's main hall. Related 18th Egyptian National Theatre Festival features 35 plays in the main competition Running until 6 August, this year's edition is held under the slogan The Festival Across All Egyptl. The ceremony featured the play Open the Curtains of Our Theatres, hosted by actor Amr Abdel-Aziz. In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano paid tribute to generations of theatre artists: 'On this exceptional evening, we stand in appreciation and reverence for all those who dedicated their lives to theatre art… Our honouring of them today is an acknowledgment of their merit and a tribute to an unforgettable journey.' Ahead of the official opening, the festival toured four governorates representing Egypt's regional diversity, where theatrical performances were staged and local artists honoured. This year's edition pays tribute to ten leading figures in Egyptian theatre, including actors Ashraf Abdel-Baki, Mohie Ismail, Samira Abdel-Aziz, Mimi Gamal, Ahmed Nabil, Selim Kitchener, and Jalal Al-Ashry, as well as directors Abeer Ali, Ahmed Abdel Jalil, and Sobhi Al-Sayed. A special posthumous honour was given to the late actress Samiha Ayoub, who passed away in June. The official competition features 35 theatrical productions different bodies operating under the Ministry of Culture as well as independent troupes. This edition features a greater number of specialized creative workshops. It will also include discussions about the theatre world, the impact of artificial intelligence on performances and scripts, as well as the influence of wars and conflicts shaking the region on theatre. Launched in 2006, the festival serves as a platform for honouring theatre-makers, documenting significant productions, and fostering dialogue around the future of Egyptian theatre. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Not to be missed: From Nancy Ajram, Tamer Hosny, Ehab Tawfik to abundance of theatre - Music - Arts & Culture
18th Egyptian National Theatre Festival 20 July - 6 August Launched in 2006, the Egyptian National Theatre Festival has grown into the country's largest annual event dedicated to the theatrical arts. This year's lineup features a diverse array of performances from troupes affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the General Organization of Cultural Palaces, the Art House for Theatre, the Academy of Arts, private theatres, and student groups from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and various universities. Many of the plays have already premiered to critical and audience acclaim, while others are being introduced to wider audiences for the first time. New films across cinemas starting 24 July - The Fantastic Four: First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach - O.T.H.E.R., starring Olga Kurylenko, Philip Schurer The Cell - film Wednesday 23 July, 8pm Cervantes Institute in Cairo, 20, Boulos Hanna St., Dokki, Cairo The film Cell 211 (Celda 211) is a 2009 Spanish production directed by Daniel Monzón and based on the novel of the same name by Francisco Pérez Gandul. Winner of 8 Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor, it was named Film of the Year in Spain. The plot follows Juan, who starts his new job as a prison officer, and on the first day, he gets caught in a prison riot. He then decides to pose as an inmate to save his life and to help bring an end to the uprising, led by the fearsome Malamadre. What he doesn't know is that fate has set a trap for him. Yarab Bent - theatre play Thursday 24 July at 7pm & 9pm Friday 25 July at 7pm & 9pm Saturday 26 July at 6.30pm & 8.30pm Rawabet Art Space, 5 Hussein Basha Al Meamari, Downtown Cairo Anas, a standout student in his final year of university and the only son in his family, is on the cusp of earning a scholarship to the United States. But just as everything seems within reach, his plans are upended by his family's unexpected objections, jeopardizing not only his preparations but also his future. Faced with the looming prospect of compulsory military service, Anas must reckon with the possibility of losing the opportunity altogether. The play is written by Karim Adel and directed by Abdel-Rahman Amer. Cassette 90 band - music Thursday 24 July, 8pm Wisdom hall, El-Sawy Culturewheel, 26th of July street, Zamalek, Cairo The band is composed of eight musicians who bring the spirit of the 1990s back to life, performing hits by Egyptian artists such as Mostafa Amar, Hisham Abbas, Alaa Abdelkhalek, and Ehab Tawfik. Hisham Abbas - music Thursday 24 July, 9pm Masrah Sokseeh, Porto Golf Alamein Born in 1963, Hisham Abbas is a well-known Egyptian pop singer recognized for both his upbeat hits and religious songs. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with tracks like Wana Wana Wana and Ta'ala, and is perhaps best known for his international hit Habibi Dah (Nari Narain) and the religious anthem Asmaa Allah Al-Husna. Over the years, Abbas has released numerous solo albums, regularly performs in concerts, and has also appeared in television series, films, and theatrical productions. Tamer Hosny - music Friday 25 July U Arena, New Alamein Tamer Hosny is a renowned Egyptian pop singer, songwriter, and actor who began his career in 2002, first gaining recognition through early collaborations with Sherine on mixtapes. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent pop stars in Egypt and the wider Arab world. Hosny has released more than 13 best-selling albums, with his music featured in numerous television series. Known for his energetic stage presence, he has performed across the region and collaborated with international artists such as Snoop Dogg and Shaggy, as well as Arab musicians including Rim Banna, Latifa, Souad Massi, and Ramy Sabry. His latest album, Leena Maad (We Have a Date), includes a duet with iconic Egyptian singer Mohamed Mounir. Hosny's upcoming concert is part of the 3rd New Alamein Festival, running from 18 July to 29 August. The festival promises a packed program of music, sports, entertainment, and culinary events, with performances by top regional and international artists. Read more about the festival here. Tablet El-Sitt - music Saturday 26 July, 8pm River Hall, El-Sawy Culturewheel, 26th of July street, Zamalek, Cairo Founded by Soha Mohamed in 2019, the all-female group is reviving Egypt's rich musical heritage. Since its inception, the troupe has garnered widespread acclaim, performing at major venues across the country. Nancy Ajram - music Saturday 26 July Beach Resort, Marassi Nancy Nabil Ajram is a world-renowned Lebanese singer, television personality, and businesswoman, widely known as the Queen of Arab Pop. She began performing as a child, winning a gold medal at age 12 on the Lebanese talent show Noujoum Al-Moustakbal. She released her debut album, Mihtagalak, at the age of 15—launching her professional career early. Ajram's breakthrough came with the hit single Akhasmak Ah and the album Ya Salam (2003), followed by Ah W Noss (2004), which cemented her status as a regional pop icon with numerous chart-topping hits. She has since released twelve studio albums, including two for children, and sold over 30 million records worldwide—making her one of the best-selling Middle Eastern artists and the top-selling female singer of the 2000s. Ajram's upcoming concert is part of Layali Marassi, a summer concert series at Marassi's Beach Resort, with performances every Saturday through the end of August. Ehab Tawfik - music Sunday 27 July, 9pm Alexandria International Sports Stadium The 59-year-old singer is celebrated for his decades-long contributions to Egyptian pop and shaabi music. He began his career with the debut single Dany in 1989, followed by his first album Ekmeny in 1990. Tawfik's repertoire includes beloved hits such as Habibi, Sahrany, Tetraga Feya, Hobek Alemni, and the fan favourite Allah Aleik Ya Sidi—all of which gained widespread popularity across the Arabic-speaking world. His upcoming concert is part of the Summer Festival for Music and Singing, organized by the Cairo Opera House. Nesma Abdel-Aziz & Ahmed Gamal - music Monday 28 July, 9pm & 10pm Alexandria International Sports Stadium Nesma Abdel-Aziz launched her career in 2001, performing alongside renowned composer Omar Khairat before forming her own band to pursue personal projects. A graduate of the Cairo Conservatory of Music, she later continued her studies in the United States and has since performed at numerous international festivals, touring extensively across the Arab world. Ahmed Gamal rose to fame as the runner-up in the second season of Arab Idol in 2013. He is renowned for his powerful, emotive voice and his ability to blend traditional Arabic music with modern pop seamlessly. Both Abdel-Aziz and Gamal will perform as part of the Summer Festival for Music and Singing, organized by the Cairo Opera House. Moftah Shohra - theatre play Monday 28, Tuesday 29 July, 8pm Rawabet Art Space, 5 Hussein Basha Al Meamari, Downtown Cairo The play follows Moftah and Shohra, two film extras who find themselves locked in the costume and props room for 45 minutes after being thrown off set by the director. Shabab and Shabab & Reham Abdel-Hakim - music Tuesday 29 July, 9pm & 10pm Alexandria International Sports Stadium The evening will open with performances by a lineup of young singers—Mohamed Hassan, Farah El-Mougi, and Mohamed El-Khouly—accompanied by an orchestra under the baton of conductor Ahmed Amer. At 10pm, celebrated singer Reham Abdel-Hakim will take the stage. Abdel-Hakim rose to fame in 1999 when she portrayed a young Um Kalthoum in a television series named after the legendary singer. Since then, she has become known for her renditions of Um Kalthoum's repertoire, performing regularly on prestigious stages across Egypt and the Arab region. Her original songs Ahim Shawqan, Ya Habibi, and Amar Ya Eskendria remain audience favourites. Abdel-Hakim is a two-time recipient of the Golden Microphone Award from the Arab Broadcasting Union. The concert is part of the Cairo Opera House's Summer Festival for Music and Singing. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt Ministry of Culture launches beta version of its new website - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
Egypt's Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the beta version of its new website this week. The new website is part of the ministry's efforts to provide modern cultural content and offer its services and programmes in an accessible and user-friendly manner. It embodies the ministry's plans to develop the digital infrastructure and strengthen communication channels with the public. The website serves as a comprehensive platform that introduces the various sectors, bodies, and activities of the ministry, several of which have their own independent websites and social media platforms, such as the Cultural Development Fund, Cairo Opera House, the Egyptian National Theatre Festival, Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, etc. The ministry's comprehensive website will showcase key events and the cultural and artistic agenda. It will also offer digital applications. The website also provides electronic services, interactive links for users, and archival materials and updated official data. The beta version already includes several segments of the website, with some yet to be filled with content. Check the website here. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Ministry of Culture launches beta version of its new website - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
Egypt's Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the beta version of its new website this week. The new website is part of the ministry's efforts to provide modern cultural content and offer its services and programmes in an accessible and user-friendly manner. It embodies the ministry's plans to develop the digital infrastructure and strengthen communication channels with the public. The website serves as a comprehensive platform that introduces the various sectors, bodies, and activities of the ministry, several of which have their own independent websites and social media platforms, such as the Cultural Development Fund, Cairo Opera House, the Egyptian National Theatre Festival, Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, etc. The ministry's comprehensive website will showcase key events and the cultural and artistic agenda. It will also offer digital applications. The website also provides electronic services, interactive links for users, and archival materials and updated official data. The beta version already includes several segments of the website, with some yet to be filled with content. Check the website here. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-07-2025
- 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:
