Latest news with #SalahJahin
CairoScene
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Salah Jahin Named Personality of the Year at Cairo Arab Child Festival
The festival celebrates the legacy of Salah Jahin, selecting the poet, lyricist, and cartoonist as its 2025 Personality of the Year. Aug 18, 2025 The Cairo International Arab Children Festival has announced that its upcoming third edition in November will honour the late poet, lyricist, and cartoonist Salah Jahin as this year's 'Personality of the Year'. The announcement, made by the festival's founder and chair Dr. Dalia Hammam, emphasised Jahin's lasting impact on the imaginations and values of young Arab audiences. Dr. Hammam highlighted how Jahin's work, as a poet, lyricist, playwright, and cartoonist, struck a rare balance between playfulness and depth. 'Jahin offered children works rich in joy and knowledge,' she added, pointing to his unique ability to engage young hearts without compromising artistic integrity. Salah Jahin, born in 1930, is widely regarded as one of Egypt's most influential poets, lyricists, and cartoonists. His work spans children's literature, theatre, and television, with a legacy that includes beloved puppet operettas and songs that have become part of Egyptian cultural memory. The Cairo International Children's Art Festival kicks off its third edition on Tuesday, August 12th 2025, at Cairo Opera House.
Daily News Egypt
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Bahr Al-Baqar: When Israel Massacred Egyptian Children
On the morning of Wednesday, April 8, 1970, inside a modest, two-room schoolhouse in the village of Al-Salhiya, Sharqia Governorate, children in Egypt were embarking on another day of lessons. Just 110 kilometres from Zagazig, Bahr Al-Baqar Primary School was a place of simple safety, where young minds grappled with the alphabet. But this tranquility was shattered when Israeli Phantom jets appeared in the sky above. What began as an ordinary school day swiftly descended into a documented crime against humanity. Without warning, the Israeli aircraft unleashed five bombs and two missiles upon the Bahr Al-Baqar school, reducing the building to rubble in a matter of moments. Thirty children perished, and over fifty more were wounded or permanently disfigured – a grim testament to the tragedy that unfolded that day. In the aftermath, Tel Aviv claimed its jets had targeted only military installations during the raid on Egyptian territory. Yet this explanation rang hollow, especially as the attack came less than two months after the bombing of the Abu Zaabal factory, a civilian site where 89 workers were killed. At Bahr Al-Baqar, there was no military objective, no strategic asset – only a humble building holding the aspirations of children who knew nothing of war or politics. Their schoolbags contained pencils and notebooks, not weapons or threats. The massacre occurred at the height of the War of Attrition, a period when Egypt was striving to reclaim the Sinai Peninsula following the 1967 defeat. Israel's intent, it seemed, was to deliver a brutal message to the Egyptian state: retreat, or face further suffering. But the attack backfired. Instead of submission, it ignited a wave of public outrage and galvanised national unity behind the Egyptian army in its struggle to restore dignity. Despite widespread international condemnation from numerous countries, Israel has never been held accountable for the Bahr Al-Baqar massacre. No independent investigation was ever launched by an international body. This silence stands as a stark reminder of global complicity, and the impunity that often cloaks the crimes committed under occupation. The Bahr Al-Baqar massacre has not been forgotten in Egypt. It is deeply etched into the national memory and culture. Renowned singer Abdel Halim Hafez immortalised the tragedy in his famous song, 'The lesson is over, they packed up the notebooks'—lyrics penned by the poet Salah Jahin—broadcasting the cry of innocent children who left behind only their books and small bags. The ruined school has been transformed into a symbolic, national shrine – a permanent image in the collective consciousness, reminding generations that the enemy makes no distinction between soldier and child, and that the real war is against identity and life itself. Today, more than five decades later, the Bahr Al-Baqar massacre remains an open wound in Egypt's heart. It serves as a constant reminder that war is not confined to battlefields; it can begin within the walls of a school. The blood of those children, even when dried, still cries out for a justice denied, and for an accountability that is long overdue. The anniversary of this horrific event serves as a somber reminder to Egyptians that Israel was—and, according to some, will always remain—an eternal enemy to Egypt and its people.
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Don't miss The Writer on Honeymoon theatrical performance at Theatro Arkan - Theater - Al-Ahram Weekly
This information is correct at the time of going to press; it remains wise, however, to check with venues for any short notice alteration. The Cairo Puppet Theatre Next to Al-Attaba Metro Station, Tel 02 2591 0954 Al-Leila Al-Kebira (The Big Night) famous operetta, written by Salah Jahin and directed by Salah El-Sakka (Performances run daily from 6 to 21 Ramadan, 9pm). The Floating Theatre Abdel-Aziz Al-Saoud St, in front of Salaheddin Mosque, Al Manial, Tel 02 2368 4047, 012 8531 1358/ 0100 5233623 Main Theatre Maraya Electra (Electra's Mirrors) play is produced by The Youth Theatre, written by Metwali Hamed and directed by Ayman Mustafa (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10pm). Small Theatre Alsemsemiya play is performed by a group of the theatre budding actors, music composed by Haitham Darwish, decor and costumes designed by Samah Nabil, written and directed by Said Soliman, (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 9pm). Al-Hanager Arts Centre Cairo Opera Complex, Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Zamalek, Tel Tel 02 2735 6861 Qatrat Alnada (Dew Drop) play written and directed by Reda Hassanein, scheduled to be shown from 6 to 21 Ramadan. The Puppet Theatre square will also present the show 'Ramadan Joy,' written by Essam El-Shawekh and directed by Sherif Ezzat. (Performances run daily from 6 to 12 Ramadan, 9pm). The International Park Madinet Nasr District Candy Crush children play is performed by Al-Shams (The Sun) Theatre Company for those with special abilities written by Said Haggag and directed by Mohamed Metwaly (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm). Malak Opera Theatre 9 A Khalig Al-Khour St, Azbekiya district, Ramses, Tel 0122 3417152 Qabl Alkhoroug (before the exit) play starring Sherehan Qotb, Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, Lamiaa Gaafar, is written by Mohamed Zenaty, directed by Hany El-Sayed, with music composed by Mohamed Qabil, decor and costumes designed by Mohamed Hashem (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm). Miami Theatre Talaat Harb St, next to Miami Cinema, Downtown, Tel 02 2574 5651 Ala'yal Fahmet (the children understood) play is an adaptation of Sound of the Music musical, produced by the Comedy Theatre and directed by Shady Sorour (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30pm). Metropol (The Children's National) Theatre 6 Halim St, the beginning of 26th July, Attaba, Downtown, Tel 02 2593 3334 Alhelm Halawa (The Dream is Halawa) play for children is written by Yasser Aboul-Anein, and directed by Maye Mohab (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 7.30pm). Al-Qawmi (The National) Theatre Al Attaba Square, in front of Attab Post Office, Cairo, Tel, 02 25917783 Mish Romeo wa Juliet (Not Romeo and Juliet) play is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet casting singer Ali El-Haggar, actress Rania Farid Shawqi, poetry by poet Amin Haddad, and directed by Essam El-Sayyed (Performances run daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9pm and Sundays, 7pm). Al-Salam Theatre 101 Qasr Al-Aini St, Tel 02 2795 2484/2794 3016/010 21521501 Youm Assem Gedan play is produced by the Comedy Theatre Company starring Mustafa Mansour, Haidy Refaat, Sherehan El-Shazli, and many more. Décor by Mohamed Fathy, lightening by Ezz Helmy, written by Ayman El-Nemr and directed by Amr Hassaan (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9pm). Aageeb wa Aageeba musical theatrical performance is produced by the Modern Theatre Company starring Sayyed El-Roumy, Doaa Ramadan, Ihab Bakir, Reda Tolba, and many more. Décor by Sarah Shoukry, lightening by Abu-Bakr El-Sherif, costumes designed by Samah Nabil, music composed by Mahmoud Wahid, choreography by Ahmed Samir, written by Said Haggag and directed by Mohamed El-Soghair (Performances run daily except Tuesdays, 9.30pm). Youssef Idrees Hall Casino play starring Kareem El-Husseiny, Nawal Samir, Shady Asaad, Mohamed Diab, Nesma Adel is produced by the Modern Theatre Company. Décor by Mohamed Abdel-Hamid, lightening by Ezz Helmy, costumes designed by Maha Abdel-Rahman, music composed by Hazem El-Kafrawy, choreography by Hassan Shehata, written by Ayman El-Nemr and directed by Amr Hassaan (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30pm). Khetat Cupid (cupid's plan) play casts actors Abdel-Moneim Riyad, Kareem El-Hosseiny, Nawal Samir, and many more. Décor by Ahmed Amin, lighting by Abu Bakr El-Sherif, music by Tamer Abdel-Meguid, written by Abdallah El-Shaaer, and directed by Ahmed Fouad (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30pm). Taliaa Theatre Attaba Square, Tel 02 2593 7948 Salah Abdel-Sabour Hall Laabet Alnahaya (Endgame) is an absurdist, tragicomic one-act play by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, produced by Taliaa Theatre. Starring Mahmoud Zaki and Lamiaa Gaafar, décor by Ahmed Gamal, costumes designed by Maha Abdel-Rahman, prepared and directed by Alsaid Qabil (Performances run daily except Tuesdays, 9.30pm). Zaki Tolaimat Hall Opera Alataba (Alataba Opera) play is casting Mohamed Abdel-Fattah, Doaa Hamza, décor by Omar Ghayat, costumes designed by Maye Kamal, written and directed by Hany Afifi (Performances run on Fridays, 7pm). Theatro Arkan Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt On a night where theatre meets storytelling, actor Sayed Ragab invites us on a journey through two intertwined paths—where comedy merges with contemplation, and narrative blends with inquiry. The evening begins with The Writer on Honeymoon, one of Ali Salem's most notable works, which, with its sharp wit, continues to reflect a reality we still experience today. Under the direction of Ahmed El-Attar, the play is re-imagined in a way that illuminates its different layers, revealing new dimensions within a familiar story. Ragab takes on the role of the writer, caught between doubt and certainty, while actress Yasmeen El-Hawary plays the wife who complicates the struggle, where every certainty becomes fragile, and every truth is relative. But the night doesn't end when the curtain falls. After the performance, Ragab stays to tell a story. With his captivating presence and unique storytelling style, he revives the art of live narration—where words transform into vivid scenes, enchanting the audience and leaving a lasting impact (19 and 20 March, 9.30pm). * A version of this article appears in print in the 13 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Al-Leila Al-Kebira operetta will be shown in Ramadan at the Cairo Puppet Theatre - Theater - Al-Ahram Weekly
The Cairo Puppet Theatre Next to Al-Attaba Metro Station, Tel 02 2591 0954 Al-Leila Al-Kebira (The Big Night) famous operetta, written by Salah Jahin and directed by Salah El-Sakka (Performances run daily from 6 to 21 Ramadan, 9pm). The Floating Theatre Abdel-Aziz Al-Saoud St, in front of Salaheddin Mosque, Al Manial, Tel 02 2368 4047, 012 8531 1358/ 0100 5233623 Main Theatre Maraya Electra (Electra's Mirrors) play is produced by The Youth Theatre, written by Metwali Hamed and directed by Ayman Mustafa (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10pm). Small Theatre Alsemsemiya play is performed by a group of the theatre budding actors, music composed by Haitham Darwish, decor and costumes designed by Samah Nabil, written and directed by Said Soliman, (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 9pm). Al-Hanager Arts Centre Cairo Opera Complex, Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Zamalek, Tel Tel 02 2735 6861 Qatrat Alnada (Dew Drop) play written and directed by Reda Hassanein, scheduled to be shown from 6 to 21 Ramadan. The Puppet Theatre square will also present the show 'Ramadan Joy,' written by Essam El-Shawekh and directed by Sherif Ezzat. (Performances run daily from 6 to 12 Ramadan, 9pm). The International Park Madinet Nasr District Candy Crush children play is performed by Al-Shams (The Sun) Theatre Company for those with special abilities written by Said Haggag and directed by Mohamed Metwaly (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm). Malak Opera Theatre 9 A Khalig Al-Khour St, Azbekiya district, Ramses, Tel 0122 3417152 Qabl Alkhoroug (before the exit) play starring Sherehan Qotb, Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, Lamiaa Gaafar, is written by Mohamed Zenaty, directed by Hany El-Sayed, with music composed by Mohamed Qabil, decor and costumes designed by Mohamed Hashem (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm). Miami Theatre Talaat Harb St, next to Miami Cinema, Downtown, Tel 02 2574 5651 Ala'yal Fahmet (the children understood) play is an adaptation of Sound of the Music musical, produced by the Comedy Theatre and directed by Shady Sorour (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30pm). Metropol (The Children's National) Theatre 6 Halim St, the beginning of 26th July, Attaba, Downtown, Tel 02 2593 3334 Alhelm Halawa (The Dream is Halawa) play for children is written by Yasser Aboul-Anein, and directed by Maye Mohab (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 7.30pm). Al-Qawmi (The National) Theatre Al Attaba Square, in front of Attab Post Office, Cairo, Tel, 02 25917783 Mish Romeo wa Juliet (Not Romeo and Juliet) play is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet casting singer Ali El-Haggar, actress Rania Farid Shawqi, poetry by poet Amin Haddad, and directed by Essam El-Sayyed (Performances run daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9pm and Sundays, 7pm). Al-Salam Theatre 101 Qasr Al-Aini St, Tel 02 2795 2484/2794 3016/010 21521501 Youm Assem Gedan play is produced by the Comedy Theatre Company starring Mustafa Mansour, Haidy Refaat, Sherehan El-Shazli, and many more. Décor by Mohamed Fathy, lightening by Ezz Helmy, written by Ayman El-Nemr and directed by Amr Hassaan (Performances run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9pm). Aageeb wa Aageeba musical theatrical performance is produced by the Modern Theatre Company starring Sayyed El-Roumy, Doaa Ramadan, Ihab Bakir, Reda Tolba, and many more. Décor by Sarah Shoukry, lightening by Abu-Bakr El-Sherif, costumes designed by Samah Nabil, music composed by Mahmoud Wahid, choreography by Ahmed Samir, written by Said Haggag and directed by Mohamed El-Soghair (Performances run daily except Tuesdays, 9.30pm). Youssef Idrees Hall Casino play starring Kareem El-Husseiny, Nawal Samir, Shady Asaad, Mohamed Diab, Nesma Adel is produced by the Modern Theatre Company. Décor by Mohamed Abdel-Hamid, lightening by Ezz Helmy, costumes designed by Maha Abdel-Rahman, music composed by Hazem El-Kafrawy, choreography by Hassan Shehata, written by Ayman El-Nemr and directed by Amr Hassaan (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30pm). Khetat Cupid (cupid's plan) play casts actors Abdel-Moneim Riyad, Kareem El-Hosseiny, Nawal Samir, and many more. Décor by Ahmed Amin, lighting by Abu Bakr El-Sherif, music by Tamer Abdel-Meguid, written by Abdallah El-Shaaer, and directed by Ahmed Fouad (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30pm). Taliaa Theatre Attaba Square, Tel 02 2593 7948 Salah Abdel-Sabour Hall Laabet Alnahaya (Endgame) is an absurdist, tragicomic one-act play by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, produced by Taliaa Theatre. Starring Mahmoud Zaki and Lamiaa Gaafar, décor by Ahmed Gamal, costumes designed by Maha Abdel-Rahman, prepared and directed by Alsaid Qabil (Performances run daily except Tuesdays, 9.30pm). Zaki Tolaimat Hall Opera Alataba (Alataba Opera) play is casting Mohamed Abdel-Fattah, Doaa Hamza, décor by Omar Ghayat, costumes designed by Maye Kamal, written and directed by Hany Afifi (Performances run on Fridays, 7pm). ALEXANDRIA Lycee El Horreya Theatre Qism Bab Sharqi, Alexandria, Tel 03 5913794 Hazem Hassem Gedan (Hazem is very strict) play is written by Walid Youssef and directed by Mohamed Moursi (Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays, 8pm). An Adventure in the Mythical City children play is produced by Alexandria Theatre Company, written by Ayman Feteha and directed by Monica Joseph (Performances run on Saturdays and Sundays, 8pm). * A version of this article appears in print in the 6 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
‘Our Uncle Salah Jahin' Caricature Exhibition Now on Display in Rome
The Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome is hosting an exhibition titled 'Love With Our Philosopher of the Simple…Our Uncle Salah Jahin', showcasing 32 never-before-seen original Jahin drawings. Feb 20, 2025 'Our Uncle Salah Jahin', an exhibition dedicated to the eponymous caricaturist, has been put on display in Rome, Italy, until February 20th. Previously held at the Hanager Arts Centre in Cairo, the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome is hosting the exhibition under the title 'Love with Our Philosopher of the Simple…Our Uncle Salah Jahin' in its main hall. Both these exhibitions are part of an initiative launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture to honour Salah Jahin, recognising his contributions to the country as a poet and an artist. Throughout his lifetime, he produced many works addressing poignant social issues with a satirical approach, making him an iconic figure in Egyptian and Arab culture. The exhibition in Cairo featured a collection of his rare drawings, including 32 original drawings displayed for the first time, as well as around 60 caricature portraits of Jahin by 52 artists from Egypt and beyond. The Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome also features a rare collection of Jahin's caricature drawings, and showcases his famous quatrains translated into Arabic, Italian, English and French.
