🎭✨ Ahmed El-Banhawy Praises “Start Your Dream” Project and Its Role in Shaping the Future of Egyptian Theatre

Director Ahmed El-Banhawy confirmed that the true value of theatre is not measured only by the artistic quality of a performance, but also by its ability to influence audiences, inspire communities, and create a lasting cultural impact.

During his honoring seminar at the National Egyptian Theatre Festival, El-Banhawy highlighted the importance of cultural projects that focus on discovering young talents, especially the “Start Your Dream” project, which has become one of the most influential initiatives supporting young artists throughout Egypt.

🌟 He explained that the project has successfully contributed to discovering talented young people and providing them with professional training in acting, directing, and theatrical performance. According to El-Banhawy, the results of the project have become clearly visible through several theatrical productions presented by emerging artists who now have an important presence in the Egyptian theatre movement.

He expressed his happiness with the return and continuation of the project in different Egyptian governorates, emphasizing that expanding cultural activities outside Cairo represents an essential step toward achieving cultural equality and giving talented youth everywhere the opportunity to develop their artistic abilities.

🎬 Theatre in Egyptian Provinces: A Source of Creativity and Innovation

Ahmed El-Banhawy stressed that Egyptian provinces are full of creative energies and promising talents that only need support, guidance, and proper opportunities to emerge.

He explained that Egyptian theatre has always proven that creativity is not limited to a specific location, but grows wherever there is an environment that believes in art and provides young creators with the chance to experiment and develop.

🏛️ The director also emphasized that supporting theatre in different regions requires leaders who truly understand the value of art and have gained their experience through real theatrical work.

According to El-Banhawy, successful cultural development depends on empowering artists, encouraging new ideas, and creating platforms where young generations can express themselves through different forms of artistic creativity.

🎭 The National Egyptian Theatre Festival Celebrates Artistic Icons

The opening ceremony of the 19th edition of the National Egyptian Theatre Festival witnessed a major celebration honoring several prominent figures in Egyptian art and creativity.

The festival honored a number of leading artists, directors, and theatre professionals whose contributions have played a significant role in enriching Egyptian theatre throughout decades.

✨ The opening ceremony also featured the artistic performance “Safar” (Journey), created with a visual and movement-based approach that reflected the festival’s message of expanding theatrical activities across Egyptian provinces.

Artist Walid Aouni, who created the artistic vision of the opening performance, explained that the idea was inspired by the festival’s mission to connect with audiences across Egypt and highlight the diversity of Egyptian culture.

🌍 The performance relied heavily on visual storytelling, movement, and theatrical imagery rather than traditional narration. The suitcase appeared as a symbol of travel, while moving fabrics created a visual atmosphere inspired by the Nile, the sea, and different Egyptian environments.

The performance took the audience on a cultural journey through various Egyptian regions, including Upper Egypt, Nubian heritage, Alexandria, traditional coastal communities, and rural areas.

🎨 Through movement, lighting, and stage design, the show presented a message celebrating Egypt’s cultural diversity and showing how theatre can become a bridge connecting people, places, and generations.

✨ “Start Your Dream”: Art as a Path Toward a Better Future

The “Start Your Dream” project represents an important example of how culture can contribute to social development by providing young people with opportunities to discover their abilities and transform their passion into professional artistic careers.

The success of the project highlights the importance of investing in young talents and creating sustainable cultural programs that support future generations of artists.

Through training, practical experience, and artistic guidance, the project has helped many young creators enter the theatre field with confidence and creativity.

🎭 Ahmed El-Banhawy concluded that theatre will always remain one of the most powerful tools for cultural awareness and human development, stressing that supporting new talents is the key to maintaining the strength and influence of Egyptian art.

The continuation of projects like “Start Your Dream” confirms that the future of Egyptian theatre depends on discovering creative young generations capable of carrying the artistic message forward.