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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: