The 16th edition of the Egyptian National
Theatre Festival – which is named after iconic actor Adel Emam – was launched
at the Cairo Opera House on Saturday with dozens of artists and cultural
personas in attendance.
“This edition is exceptional,” stated
Egyptian Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilani during the opening, adding that
"the festival is applying a new vision this year that reflects the great
history of Egyptian theatre.” This year’s edition is taking place under the
presidency of actor Mohamed Riyad.
More than 37 plays will be shown
through 12 August across various halls in Cairo; including the Cairo Opera
House’s Hanagaer and Creativity Centre, Cairo National Theatre, Al-Taleia,
Miami, Al-Ghad, El-Gomhouria, El-Salam, and Floating Theatre.
Plays representing different national
and private theatre troupes are competing in its various contests under the
jury headed by Ashraf Abdel-Ghafour.
For the first time, the festival is
hosting a contest for first-time theatre writers that will be judged by a jury
presided over by professor Essan Eldin Abou El-Ela. The award is named after
Abu El-Ela El-Salamony, the Egyptian novelist and playwright who passed away in
June.
The opening featured a medley of
composer Hany Shenouda’s scores of Adel Emam’s films, as well as
director Hani Affifi’s opening show titled Rohna El-Masrah (We Went to
Theatre).
A number of actors and theatre experts
were honored during the opening ceremony. Various industry workshops are taking place alongside
the festival, including acting training by Ahmed Mukhtar, directing classes by
Shady Sorour, scenography sessions by Amr Abdullah, and theatre management
lessons by Safwat Hegazy. Director Khaled Galal will also offer a session on
career-building.
Source: Ahram Online
