Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre Wraps Up 33rd Edition
last updated: 2 h ago
Cairo — The Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, chaired by Dr. Sameh Mahran, concluded the activities of its 33rd edition on Tuesday evening. The festival, held from September 1 to 8, closed with a ceremony on the main stage of the Cairo Opera House, attended by festival president Dr.اضافة اعلان
Sameh Mahran, a number of ambassadors and representatives of foreign embassies and cultural centers, festival guests from Arab and foreign countries, along with a host of Egyptian artists, theater practitioners, critics, and researchers.
The ceremony was hosted by actress Nourhan, who welcomed attendees and reviewed the highlights of the 33rd edition, which featured 19 theatrical performances, 14 intellectual sessions, and 7 theater workshops over the course of the festival, alongside the publication of 12 books, studies, and translated plays added to Arabic literature, in addition to accompanying events and artistic gatherings bringing together theater practitioners from Egypt and around the world.
"The House": A Film Recalling the 33rd Edition and the Guests' Nostalgia
The closing ceremony opened with a screening of the short film The House, directed by Mohammad Fadel Al-Qabbani and edited by Nagham Allam, which documents behind-the-scenes moments from the 33rd edition of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, capturing details from the lives of festival guests during their stay and the sense of intimacy and nostalgia that grew between them and Cairo, leading up to the moment of farewell and the wish to return to the city once again.
"Take Me Back to Cairo": An Artistic Performance Turning Guests' Nostalgia into a Celebration of Cairo at the Closing Ceremony
Following The House, which revisited the behind-the-scenes moments of the 33rd edition and captured the days festival guests spent in Cairo, and the sense of intimacy and nostalgia the city left in them, came the artistic performance "Take Me Back to Cairo," continuing that same spirit by turning feelings of farewell and the wish to return into an artistic experience celebrating the city, its memory, and what it represents as a space for encounter and connection between artists from around the world.
The performance was delivered by the Egyptian Project ensemble, who, through music and performance, presented a piece capturing the spirit of Cairo and its cultural diversity, turning the song into an expression of the festival guests' feelings toward the city that hosted them throughout the edition, transforming their nostalgia into a celebratory moment at the festival's close. The performance wasn't just an artistic segment within the closing ceremony, but seemed an extension of the idea carried by The House, with Cairo transforming from a mere host city for the festival into a city that leaves its mark on its guests, turning the moment of departure into a promise of return.
The set was designed by Mohammad Gaber, lighting design by Yasser Shaaban, and the performance was directed by Mohammad Abdel Rahman Al-Shafei, opening the closing celebration and giving attendees an artistic moment that recaptured the atmosphere of Cairo, distilling the guests' relationship with the city into a single song carrying the meaning of return and longing: "Take Me Back to Cairo."
Sameh Mahran: 19 Theatrical Performances, 14 Intellectual Sessions, 7 Workshops, and 12 New Publications This Edition
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Dr. Sameh Mahran welcomed Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, along with ambassadors, representatives of foreign embassies and cultural centers, festival guests from Arab and foreign countries, and Egyptian artists, affirming that their presence and participation over the past days enriched the theatrical scene and contributed to the success of the 33rd edition.
Mahran reviewed the edition's highlights, noting the presentation of 19 theatrical performances, the discussion of theater and experimentation issues across 14 intellectual and research sessions, alongside training for artists and participants in 7 theater workshops, and the addition of 12 new publications of studies and translated plays to Arabic literature.
The festival president noted that the edition also celebrated figures with distinguished theatrical experience and marked Egyptian Theatre Day, affirming that the festival was closing this edition by honoring the winners, turning the page on a new edition and beginning another with fresh vision and ambition.
Mahran extended thanks and appreciation to everyone who took part in the festival's activities, affirming that the festival's administration was honored by the presence of its guests and artists and enjoyed their performances and experiences, and thanked all those who provided support and contributed to the success of the 33rd edition.
Ayman Al-Shiwy: Egypt Opens Its Arms to All Who Believe in Art and Humanity, and We Continue the Journey Toward Developing Theater and Elevating Humanity
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Dr. Ayman Al-Shiwy, head of the theater sector, conveyed the greetings of Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, to the festival's guests, saying:
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests of Egypt, as we close this edition of the Experimental Theatre Festival, I convey to you the greetings of His Excellency Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Acting Minister of Culture. And I say to our dear guests: you have honored us in Egypt, which has been, remains, and will, God willing, continue to open its arms to all who believe in art and humanity.
Thank you to everyone who took part, everyone who created, and everyone who believed in the art of theater and its power to bring change, to change people and the world. We promise you we will soon continue the journey toward developing theater and elevating humanity. True theater knows no pause and no end, because it is always searching for new questions, new forms, and new horizons for humanity. From the womb of endings, new beginnings are born, and until we meet again soon, God willing. Thank you."
Honoring the Committee for Reviewing and Selecting Egyptian Performances
The ceremony also honored the members of the committee responsible for reviewing and selecting Egyptian theatrical performances, in recognition of the effort the committee put into following and reviewing Egyptian performances and selecting the works that took part in the 33rd edition's program.
The committee included critic Mai Selim, artist Hossam Dagher, director Islam Imam, Dr. Sahar Helmy, an internationally recognized ballet dancer and faculty member at the Higher Institute of Ballet, director Dr. Mahmoud Fouad Sedky, a faculty member at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, and Zizi Al-Masry as rapporteur.
Honoring Cultural Centers: The Festival's Partners in Egypt
The festival also made sure to honor representatives of the cultural centers in Egypt that partnered with the festival during this edition, in recognition of their role in supporting the artistic, intellectual, and training program, and their contribution to creating spaces for cultural exchange between Egyptian artists and festival guests from various countries.
These included: the Union of European Cultural Centers in Egypt, the British Council, and the Italian Cultural Institute. The festival affirmed that this cooperation represents a key element in the edition's success, especially since the festival's nature is built on openness to various cultural and artistic institutions, and on expanding participation to include theaters, cultural centers, and venues hosting performances, workshops, seminars, and accompanying events.
Honoring the Jury
The ceremony also honored the members of the official competition's jury, in recognition of their role in watching and evaluating the participating performances, leading up to the announcement of the 33rd edition's awards.
The international jury included artist Riyad Al-Kholy as president, with members Mohammad Al-Gharbawy, Mohammad Mounir Al-Iraqi, Khaled Al-Ruwaie, Patricia Lombardi (Egypt), Hassan Kassi Kouyate, and Sasho Ognyanovski.
Jury Recommendations: Increase Prizes and Clarify How Performances Relate to Experimentation
Veteran artist Riyad Al-Kholy, president of the official competition's jury at the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, delivered the jury's closing statement, in which he extended thanks and appreciation to the festival's administration, the participating artists and troupes, reviewed the jury's assessment of the theatrical experiences presented this edition, and announced a number of recommendations for upcoming editions.
Al-Kholy said: "The jury is honored, at the close of its work, to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to the administration of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, for the efforts made and the means provided to ensure the success of this edition, through the good management and organization of the theatrical performances, including public relations, seminars, workshops, intellectual forums, and the festival's theatrical publications, all of which contributed to providing a comprehensive artistic and cultural environment for engagement, training, and contemporary theater.
The jury also extends its thanks to all the participating artists and troupes, and to everyone who contributed to the success of this edition, wishing the festival continued excellence and renewal.
Throughout the days of the festival, the jury followed 15 theatrical and performance works, varying in their visions, experiences, and aesthetic approaches, revealing a clear diversity in contemporary theatrical approaches and concepts.
The jury affirms that theater remains the origin of freedoms, the factory of free thought, and the laboratory of experimentation, and that the diversity of languages, forms, and styles plays an authentic role in the nature of experimental theater.
The jury observed clear shifts in the concept of performance and acting, influenced by the evolution of aesthetic theories and philosophies, and the emergence of varied approaches based on reduction, stylization, and performative neutrality, all of which are legitimate spaces for research and experimentation.
In this context, the jury affirms the importance of keeping this aesthetic evolution connected to the actor's human presence, so that the tools and methods of performance remain integrated with feeling and communication, without experimentation losing its ability to reach the audience.
The jury believes that the value of experimentation lies not only in breaking with convention, but in its ability to produce a new language, create meaning, and rediscover the human being through theater.
In its work, the jury took great care to discuss each performance individually, with full neutrality, precision, and objectivity, reviewing all its artistic aspects and experimental vision.
Based on the jury's experience this edition, and what it observed as new, and out of a desire for more successful future editions, and in line with a collective wish for development in upcoming editions, the jury recommends the following:
First: The jury recommends that the festival's participation form clarify the relationship of each participating theatrical performance to experimentation.
Second: The jury recommends increasing the number of awards, to accommodate all theatrical specialties, since the awards currently available are very limited, in order to allow for honoring more distinguished artistic works and elements."
Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre Jury Awards – 33rd Edition
Following this, the official competition's jury announced the results of the 33rd edition of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, after viewing all participating performances, crowning the edition with a set of awards and certificates of appreciation covering performances, artists, and various artistic elements, announced as follows:
First: Certificates of Appreciation
The jury decided to award certificates of appreciation to:
Poor Liza, for musician Veronika Karpos
Night Game (United Kingdom), for lighting
You Since Yesterday (Jordan), for theatrical adaptation
Depths of the Soul (UAE), for artist Abeer Al-Jasmi
What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt), for director Samah Hamdy
Second: Special Jury Prize
The jury decided to award the Special Jury Prize to Night Game from the United Kingdom.
Third: Cash Prizes
1.Best Actress (100,000 Egyptian pounds) Nominees:1. Kristina and Sidi Elian, for Night Game (United Kingdom)
2. Katsiaryna Krylova, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
3. Maria Matvienko, for Poor Liza (Russia)
Winner: Katsiaryna Krylova, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
2. Best Actor (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Alexei Titkov, for Poor Liza (Russian Federation)
2. Amir Dridi, for La Mode (Tunisia)
3. Nazar Kamensky, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
Winners (shared prize): Alexei Titkov, for Poor Liza (Russian Federation), and Amir Dridi, for La Mode (Tunisia)
3. Best Scenography (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Samah Hamdy, for What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt)
2. Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
Winner: Samah Hamdy, for What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt)
4. Best Text (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
2. Fahad Reda Al-Harthi, for The Resurrectors (Saudi Arabia)
Winner: Fahad Reda Al-Harthi, for The Resurrectors (Saudi Arabia)
5. Best Director (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Polyakova Maks Vera, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
2. Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
3. Kristina and Sidi Elian, for Night Game (United Kingdom)
Winner: Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
6. Best Performance (500,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Night Game (United Kingdom)
2. Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
3. What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt)
Winner: Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
As the curtain fell on the 33rd edition, the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre wrapped up eight days of performances, discussions, workshops, and gatherings, drawing diverse participation from Egypt, the Arab world, and international theater practices, in an ongoing effort to create a space for dialogue around theater, its questions, and its transformations.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
Sameh Mahran, a number of ambassadors and representatives of foreign embassies and cultural centers, festival guests from Arab and foreign countries, along with a host of Egyptian artists, theater practitioners, critics, and researchers.
The ceremony was hosted by actress Nourhan, who welcomed attendees and reviewed the highlights of the 33rd edition, which featured 19 theatrical performances, 14 intellectual sessions, and 7 theater workshops over the course of the festival, alongside the publication of 12 books, studies, and translated plays added to Arabic literature, in addition to accompanying events and artistic gatherings bringing together theater practitioners from Egypt and around the world.
"The House": A Film Recalling the 33rd Edition and the Guests' Nostalgia
The closing ceremony opened with a screening of the short film The House, directed by Mohammad Fadel Al-Qabbani and edited by Nagham Allam, which documents behind-the-scenes moments from the 33rd edition of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, capturing details from the lives of festival guests during their stay and the sense of intimacy and nostalgia that grew between them and Cairo, leading up to the moment of farewell and the wish to return to the city once again.
"Take Me Back to Cairo": An Artistic Performance Turning Guests' Nostalgia into a Celebration of Cairo at the Closing Ceremony
Following The House, which revisited the behind-the-scenes moments of the 33rd edition and captured the days festival guests spent in Cairo, and the sense of intimacy and nostalgia the city left in them, came the artistic performance "Take Me Back to Cairo," continuing that same spirit by turning feelings of farewell and the wish to return into an artistic experience celebrating the city, its memory, and what it represents as a space for encounter and connection between artists from around the world.
The performance was delivered by the Egyptian Project ensemble, who, through music and performance, presented a piece capturing the spirit of Cairo and its cultural diversity, turning the song into an expression of the festival guests' feelings toward the city that hosted them throughout the edition, transforming their nostalgia into a celebratory moment at the festival's close. The performance wasn't just an artistic segment within the closing ceremony, but seemed an extension of the idea carried by The House, with Cairo transforming from a mere host city for the festival into a city that leaves its mark on its guests, turning the moment of departure into a promise of return.
The set was designed by Mohammad Gaber, lighting design by Yasser Shaaban, and the performance was directed by Mohammad Abdel Rahman Al-Shafei, opening the closing celebration and giving attendees an artistic moment that recaptured the atmosphere of Cairo, distilling the guests' relationship with the city into a single song carrying the meaning of return and longing: "Take Me Back to Cairo."
Sameh Mahran: 19 Theatrical Performances, 14 Intellectual Sessions, 7 Workshops, and 12 New Publications This Edition
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Dr. Sameh Mahran welcomed Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, along with ambassadors, representatives of foreign embassies and cultural centers, festival guests from Arab and foreign countries, and Egyptian artists, affirming that their presence and participation over the past days enriched the theatrical scene and contributed to the success of the 33rd edition.
Mahran reviewed the edition's highlights, noting the presentation of 19 theatrical performances, the discussion of theater and experimentation issues across 14 intellectual and research sessions, alongside training for artists and participants in 7 theater workshops, and the addition of 12 new publications of studies and translated plays to Arabic literature.
The festival president noted that the edition also celebrated figures with distinguished theatrical experience and marked Egyptian Theatre Day, affirming that the festival was closing this edition by honoring the winners, turning the page on a new edition and beginning another with fresh vision and ambition.
Mahran extended thanks and appreciation to everyone who took part in the festival's activities, affirming that the festival's administration was honored by the presence of its guests and artists and enjoyed their performances and experiences, and thanked all those who provided support and contributed to the success of the 33rd edition.
Ayman Al-Shiwy: Egypt Opens Its Arms to All Who Believe in Art and Humanity, and We Continue the Journey Toward Developing Theater and Elevating Humanity
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Dr. Ayman Al-Shiwy, head of the theater sector, conveyed the greetings of Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, to the festival's guests, saying:
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests of Egypt, as we close this edition of the Experimental Theatre Festival, I convey to you the greetings of His Excellency Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Acting Minister of Culture. And I say to our dear guests: you have honored us in Egypt, which has been, remains, and will, God willing, continue to open its arms to all who believe in art and humanity.
Thank you to everyone who took part, everyone who created, and everyone who believed in the art of theater and its power to bring change, to change people and the world. We promise you we will soon continue the journey toward developing theater and elevating humanity. True theater knows no pause and no end, because it is always searching for new questions, new forms, and new horizons for humanity. From the womb of endings, new beginnings are born, and until we meet again soon, God willing. Thank you."
Honoring the Committee for Reviewing and Selecting Egyptian Performances
The ceremony also honored the members of the committee responsible for reviewing and selecting Egyptian theatrical performances, in recognition of the effort the committee put into following and reviewing Egyptian performances and selecting the works that took part in the 33rd edition's program.
The committee included critic Mai Selim, artist Hossam Dagher, director Islam Imam, Dr. Sahar Helmy, an internationally recognized ballet dancer and faculty member at the Higher Institute of Ballet, director Dr. Mahmoud Fouad Sedky, a faculty member at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, and Zizi Al-Masry as rapporteur.
Honoring Cultural Centers: The Festival's Partners in Egypt
The festival also made sure to honor representatives of the cultural centers in Egypt that partnered with the festival during this edition, in recognition of their role in supporting the artistic, intellectual, and training program, and their contribution to creating spaces for cultural exchange between Egyptian artists and festival guests from various countries.
These included: the Union of European Cultural Centers in Egypt, the British Council, and the Italian Cultural Institute. The festival affirmed that this cooperation represents a key element in the edition's success, especially since the festival's nature is built on openness to various cultural and artistic institutions, and on expanding participation to include theaters, cultural centers, and venues hosting performances, workshops, seminars, and accompanying events.
Honoring the Jury
The ceremony also honored the members of the official competition's jury, in recognition of their role in watching and evaluating the participating performances, leading up to the announcement of the 33rd edition's awards.
The international jury included artist Riyad Al-Kholy as president, with members Mohammad Al-Gharbawy, Mohammad Mounir Al-Iraqi, Khaled Al-Ruwaie, Patricia Lombardi (Egypt), Hassan Kassi Kouyate, and Sasho Ognyanovski.
Jury Recommendations: Increase Prizes and Clarify How Performances Relate to Experimentation
Veteran artist Riyad Al-Kholy, president of the official competition's jury at the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, delivered the jury's closing statement, in which he extended thanks and appreciation to the festival's administration, the participating artists and troupes, reviewed the jury's assessment of the theatrical experiences presented this edition, and announced a number of recommendations for upcoming editions.
Al-Kholy said: "The jury is honored, at the close of its work, to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to the administration of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, for the efforts made and the means provided to ensure the success of this edition, through the good management and organization of the theatrical performances, including public relations, seminars, workshops, intellectual forums, and the festival's theatrical publications, all of which contributed to providing a comprehensive artistic and cultural environment for engagement, training, and contemporary theater.
The jury also extends its thanks to all the participating artists and troupes, and to everyone who contributed to the success of this edition, wishing the festival continued excellence and renewal.
Throughout the days of the festival, the jury followed 15 theatrical and performance works, varying in their visions, experiences, and aesthetic approaches, revealing a clear diversity in contemporary theatrical approaches and concepts.
The jury affirms that theater remains the origin of freedoms, the factory of free thought, and the laboratory of experimentation, and that the diversity of languages, forms, and styles plays an authentic role in the nature of experimental theater.
The jury observed clear shifts in the concept of performance and acting, influenced by the evolution of aesthetic theories and philosophies, and the emergence of varied approaches based on reduction, stylization, and performative neutrality, all of which are legitimate spaces for research and experimentation.
In this context, the jury affirms the importance of keeping this aesthetic evolution connected to the actor's human presence, so that the tools and methods of performance remain integrated with feeling and communication, without experimentation losing its ability to reach the audience.
The jury believes that the value of experimentation lies not only in breaking with convention, but in its ability to produce a new language, create meaning, and rediscover the human being through theater.
In its work, the jury took great care to discuss each performance individually, with full neutrality, precision, and objectivity, reviewing all its artistic aspects and experimental vision.
Based on the jury's experience this edition, and what it observed as new, and out of a desire for more successful future editions, and in line with a collective wish for development in upcoming editions, the jury recommends the following:
First: The jury recommends that the festival's participation form clarify the relationship of each participating theatrical performance to experimentation.
Second: The jury recommends increasing the number of awards, to accommodate all theatrical specialties, since the awards currently available are very limited, in order to allow for honoring more distinguished artistic works and elements."
Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre Jury Awards – 33rd Edition
Following this, the official competition's jury announced the results of the 33rd edition of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, after viewing all participating performances, crowning the edition with a set of awards and certificates of appreciation covering performances, artists, and various artistic elements, announced as follows:
First: Certificates of Appreciation
The jury decided to award certificates of appreciation to:
Poor Liza, for musician Veronika Karpos
Night Game (United Kingdom), for lighting
You Since Yesterday (Jordan), for theatrical adaptation
Depths of the Soul (UAE), for artist Abeer Al-Jasmi
What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt), for director Samah Hamdy
Second: Special Jury Prize
The jury decided to award the Special Jury Prize to Night Game from the United Kingdom.
Third: Cash Prizes
1.Best Actress (100,000 Egyptian pounds) Nominees:1. Kristina and Sidi Elian, for Night Game (United Kingdom)
2. Katsiaryna Krylova, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
3. Maria Matvienko, for Poor Liza (Russia)
Winner: Katsiaryna Krylova, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
2. Best Actor (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Alexei Titkov, for Poor Liza (Russian Federation)
2. Amir Dridi, for La Mode (Tunisia)
3. Nazar Kamensky, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
Winners (shared prize): Alexei Titkov, for Poor Liza (Russian Federation), and Amir Dridi, for La Mode (Tunisia)
3. Best Scenography (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Samah Hamdy, for What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt)
2. Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
Winner: Samah Hamdy, for What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt)
4. Best Text (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
2. Fahad Reda Al-Harthi, for The Resurrectors (Saudi Arabia)
Winner: Fahad Reda Al-Harthi, for The Resurrectors (Saudi Arabia)
5. Best Director (100,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Polyakova Maks Vera, for Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
2. Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
3. Kristina and Sidi Elian, for Night Game (United Kingdom)
Winner: Taher Issa, for La Mode (Tunisia)
6. Best Performance (500,000 Egyptian pounds)
Nominees:
1. Night Game (United Kingdom)
2. Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
3. What Do Survivors Dream Of?! (Egypt)
Winner: Zhenya + Tanya = Love (Belarus)
As the curtain fell on the 33rd edition, the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre wrapped up eight days of performances, discussions, workshops, and gatherings, drawing diverse participation from Egypt, the Arab world, and international theater practices, in an ongoing effort to create a space for dialogue around theater, its questions, and its transformations.
Resource: Al-Ghad.