Latest news with #ModernTheatre
Gulf Today
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Renowned Egyptian actress Samiha Ayoub passes away at 93
The renowned Egyptian actress Samiha Ayoub passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 93. Ayoub was one of the giants of Arab theatre, with a distinguished artistic career spanning from 1947 until her passing, encompassing theatre, cinema, and television. No official statement has been issued regarding the cause of her death. However, in early May, rumors circulated suggesting she was battling breast cancer. In a phone interview, Ayoub denied these rumors, stating: 'All these are false reports. I am in good health, and instead of spreading nice rumors, people spread bad ones.' She affirmed that her health was stable and denied any reports of suffering from tumors. Despite several media outlets reporting that she had breast cancer, Ayoub never officially confirmed the diagnosis. In previous remarks, she stated that she was in good health and continued to follow up with her doctor for treatment. She also expressed her eagerness to return to her audience with new and diverse roles. Speculation about her health intensified after she was recently seen with swelling in her hands, reportedly a result of lymphedema—a condition common among breast cancer patients. Lymphedema typically occurs following the removal of lymph nodes, leading to fluid retention and swelling in the affected limb. Ayoub was born on March 8, 1932, in the Shubra district of Cairo. She graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, where she was mentored by the renowned theatre director Zaki Tulaimat. He introduced her to the stage while she was still a student, casting her in the play Khedmet El-Malika (The Queen's Service), which marked the beginning of her artistic journey. Throughout her illustrious career, Ayoub starred in numerous plays, including Siket El-Salama, El-Sebnsa, El-Nadam, Phedra, El-Wazeer El-Aasheq, and El-Soltan El-Haer. She served as the director of the Modern Theatre in 1972 and later managed the National Theatre from 1975, holding the position for 14 years. Her theatrical repertoire included 170 plays, five of which she directed, including Maqalib Atia. Ayoub's legacy remains a cornerstone of Arab theatre and cinema, leaving behind an indelible mark on the artistic world.
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Fathiya El-Assal's play Women's Prison to premiere during Eid El-Fitr in Cairo - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
Women's Prison (Segn El-Nesa) — a play by prominent playwright and activist Fathiya El-Assal (1933-2014) that inspired a highly successful 2014 TV series with the same name — will premiere at Cairo's Al-Salam Theatre during Eid El-Fitr. One of Fathiya El-Assal's most famous works, Women's Prison, explores imprisoned women's struggles and emotional experiences, delving into their struggles, relationships, and the harsh realities they face in a patriarchal society. "The play comprises a plethora of women prisoners who advocate political protests and the restructuring of state institutions being part of the overall power structure under which they exist. The playwright integrates polyphonic voices from different social categories to give her fragmented characters an opportunity for articulation and self-representation," analyzes Mahmoud El Bagoury. El-Assal's play inspired the 2014 Egyptian TV series Segn El-Nesa, adapted by Mariam Naoum and directed by Kamla Abouzekri, which aired during Ramadan that year. Naoum expanded El-Assal's original play by adding additional events, diversifying the characters, and increasing the net of the relationships. Known for being a staunch advocate of women's rights, El-Assal died shortly before the TV series screening. Segn El-Nesa, presented by the Modern Theatre troupe, will be hosted at the Al-Salam Theatre stage. The play is directed by Youssef Morad and includes large music and choreography segments with compositions by Mohamed Ezzat. It will feature Haidi Abdelkhalek, Hanady Abdelkhalek, Sherihan El-Shazly, Nashwa Hassan, Aya Abu-Zeid, Safy Fahmy, Doaa El-Zeidi, Randa Gamal, Layla Magdy, Lily Mourad, Geni Atwa, Irini Magdy, Walaa El-Gendy, and Ikrami Waziry. Segn El-Nesa will premiere on 31 March (the second day of Eid) at 9 PM. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sultan Al Qasimi attends closing of 34th Sharjah Theatre Days
Honour for Sharjah Award for Playwriting winners His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honoured the winners of the Sharjah Award for Playwriting 'texts for adults' category. The first-place winner was Omani writer Osama bin Zayed for his theatrical text "That Dream of Yesterday", followed by Omani writer Naeem Fath Mabrouk in second place for his work "Neighing of Sins", and Kuwaiti writer Musa Bahman in third place for his theatrical text "A Wish of Death". Honour for Sharjah Theatre Days Awards winners His Highness also honoured the winners of the Sharjah Theatre Days Awards for its 34th edition. The award for Best Integrated Theatrical Performance was presented to the play "Baba" by the Sharjah National Theatre Company. The Best Theatrical Direction award went to artist Abdul Rahman Al Mulla for his direction of "Screams from the Abyss" by the Kalba Society for Folk Arts and Heritage, while the Best Theatrical Writing award was given to writer Abdullah Ismail Abdullah for the same play. Best Leading Actor and Actress Awards Artist Ahmed Al Jasmi won the award for Best Leading Actor for his role in the play "Baba" by the Sharjah National Theatre, while artist Abeer Al Jasmi was awarded Best Leading Actress for her performance in "Screams from the Abyss" by the Kalba Association for Folk Arts and Heritage. Best Supporting Actor and Actress Awards Artist Mahmoud Al Qattan won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the play "Elkat Saleh' by the Modern Theatre, while artist Badriya Al Ali received the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Brides of Fire" by the Khorfakkan Arts Theatre. Best Promising Actor and Actress Awards Artist Kazem Jawad won the Best Promising Actor Award for his role in the play "Baba" by the Sharjah National Theatre, while artist Khawla Abdul Salam received the Best Promising Actress Award for her performance in "Elkat Saleh' by Modern Theatre. Other Categories of the 34th Sharjah Theatre Days Awards In the remaining categories of the 34th Sharjah Theatre Days Awards, artist Abdullah Al Hammadi won the Best Set Design Award for the play "Heel and Half Shoe" by the Yas Arts, Culture and Theatre Association. Artist Khaled Bashir received the Best Lighting Award for "Screams from the Abyss" by the Kalba Association for Folk Arts and Heritage, while artist Ibrahim Al Amiri was awarded the Best Music Composition and Sound Effects Award for "Baba" by the Sharjah National Theatre. Best Makeup and Costumes and Accessories Awards Artist Nasra Al Maamari won the Best Makeup Award for her work on the play "Brides of Fire" by Khorfakkan Arts Theatre, while artist Mariam Sameh received the Best Costumes and Accessories Award for her designs in the play "Jur Mihrathak" by Dibba Al Hisn Theatre. Distinguished Arab Artist Award and Special Jury Award Artist Amani Balalaj was honoured with the Distinguished Arab Artist Award for her role in the play "Baba" by Sharjah National Theatre, while the play "Elkat Saleh" by Modern Theatre received the Special Jury Award. Ceremony attendance The ceremony also saw the presence of Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality; along with numerous senior officials, artists, intellectuals, specialists, media professionals, and theatre enthusiasts.
