Latest news with #HigherInstituteofTheatricalArts
Arab Times
4 days ago
- 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.
