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Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Lotfy Labib (1947-2025): A unique talent
Last Tuesday, while this newspaper went to print, my colleague called to say that actor Lotfy Labib had been admitted to the intensive care and his condition did not bode well. He advised me to start putting together an obituary, but I was too sad to be rushed and I felt I needed time to give the comedian who had delighted so Egyptians for over 30 years his dues. On Wednesday the news of Labib passing at the age of 77 came through. Labib was born on 18 August 1947 in Beni Suef. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1970 and three years later he became one of the heroes of the 6 October War. Labib's career was slightly delayed due to his military service, which lasted for six years. He participated in a number of TV series in the late 1970s. In 1981 he starred in the play Al-Moghaneya Al-Salaa (The Bald Singer), directed by Samir Al-Asfouri, and in 1982 he starred in another play Al-Rahaen (The Hostages), directed by Fahmi Al-Khouli. When Lotfy Labib's name is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind is a scene in Sherif Arafa's Al-Sefara fil Omara (The Embassy Is in the Building), in which he played the role of the Israeli ambassador to Egypt David Cohen: holding a tiny cake and singing happy birthday in his distinctive voice for the benefit of his neighbour Sherif Khairy (Adel Imam), who has returned after many years abroad to find himself in this politically charged situation. Here as elsewhere Labib was one of the most remarkable actors in supporting roles, well-known for his versatility: he performed comedy and drama in theatre, television, cinema and even, early on, in radio. In the 2000s Labib made the supporting role indispensable in such films as Gaana Al-Bayan Al-Talli (Breaking News, 2001), where he played the head of a news channel named Fakhri with comedian Mohamed Heneidi; he also left an indelible mark on Heneidi's Yana Ya Khalti (Either Me or My Auntie, 2005). He participated in Harmeya fi Thailand (Thieves in Thailand, 2003), directed by Sandra Nashaat and starring Karim Abdel-Aziz and Hanan Turk, and starred with Mohamed Saad in Al-Lembi (2002), directed by Wael Ihsan. Also with Wael Ihsan and Karim Abdel-Aziz, Labib participated in Al-Basha Telmiz (The Student Cop, 2004), playing the role of the father of Ingy (played by Ghada Adel). He joined forces again with Mohamed Saad in Karkar (2007), starring alongside Yasmine Abdel-Aziz, Hassan Hosni, Ragaa Al-Gedawi and Alaa Morsi. Labib also played the role of Sarnaqosi in the hilarious comedy H Dabour (2008), starring Ahmed Mekki and directed by Ahmed Al-Gendi. In 1983 he participated in the second part of the TV series Abwab Al-Madina (Doors of the City), with director Fakhreddine Salah and screenwriter Osama Anwar Okasha. In 1986 he took part in the series Rehlet Abul-Ela Al-Beshri (The Journey of Abul-Ela Al-Beshri, 1986), with the late renowned Mahmoud Morsi, director Mohamed Fadel and screenwriter Osama Anwar Okasha. He also had a role in Okasha's series Arabesque (1994), directed by Gamal Abdel-Hamid and starring Salah Al-Saadani. He contributed a small role to filmmaker Mohamed Khan's film Awdet Mowaten (Return of a Citizen, 1986), starring Yehia Al-Fakharani and Mervat Amin. In 2006, Labib played the role of Abdo Abdel-Aal in Kamla Abu-Zekri's Malek wi Ketaba (Double Faces). His most recent works include the Ramadan TV series Rageen Ya Hawa (Back to Love, 2022), directed by Mohamed Salama and Naql Aam (Public Transport), another series starring Mahmoud Hemeida, directed by Adel Adib. He also starred in the comedy film Wesh fi Wesh (Face to Face), directed by Walid Al-Halafawi, playing Farga Al-Sheibi, the divorce lawyer consulted via video call, during which he quarrels with his counterpart. His last appearance was in the TV series Banat Hammam (Hammam's Daughters, 2025), directed by Karim Refaat. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Watani
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Watani
Good bye Lotfy Labib (1947 – 2025)
The Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement mourning Coptic actor Lotfy Labib who departed the world on 30 July, aged 78. Mr Labib passed away in a Cairo hospital after a prolonged illness. The Church statement commemorated Mr Labib as an artist who 'leaves behind a distinguished and enduring legacy of diverse artistic contributions, spanning both the public arena and Christian-themed works.' The Church remains confident, the statement read, that Mr Labib will go down in the history of cinema, theatre, and television, and in the hearts of his fans as the great actor he was. 'We pray to the Lord for eternal rest to the soul of the late gifted artist, and that the Lord bestows comfort upon his family, loved ones, and fans,' the statement read. Born in Beni Sweif in 1947, Mr Labib graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1970, but made his artisitc debut years later. Meanwhile, he had completed his military service and taken part in the 1973 October War, then travelled abroad for four years. He excelled in dramatic and comedic roles, and was known for his warm distinctive voice. Mr Labib starred in some 200 movies and 20 television series. He was a beloved and respected actor, close to the heart of his colleagues and fans. He was particularly admired for his sense of humour and commitment to his profession and fans. He played memorable roles in Christian films depicting saints. Mr Labib leaves behind three daughters; Katia, Kristina and Carmen. Comments comments Tags: Lotfy Labib (1947 - 2025)Michael Girgis
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:
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.
