The المهرجان القومي للمسرح المصري has officially announced the formation of the Supreme Committee for its 19th edition, scheduled to take place in 2026, under the leadership of actor محمد رياض.
This early announcement reflects a strategic vision aimed at improving organization, expanding artistic programs, and strengthening the festival’s role as one of Egypt’s most important cultural events.
The newly formed committee includes a wide range of prominent figures from the Egyptian artistic and cultural scene, representing a blend of directors, actors, writers, and cultural institution leaders.
Key members include director Dr. Adel Abdu (festival director), actor Mohamed Fehmy, director Abir Ali, actor Samah Al-Sairity, actress Rania Farid Shawqi, director Essam El-Sayed, writer Ayman Salama, Dr. Khaled Abu El-Leil (head of the General Book Authority), director Adel Hassan (National Theatre and Folk Arts Center), engineer Hamdi Sottouhy (Cultural Development Fund), director Hisham Atwa (Culture Palaces Authority), and Dr. Ayman El-Shawy (Head of Theatre Sector), along with general coordinator Magda Abdel Aleem.
The Supreme Committee will be responsible for setting the overall framework of the upcoming edition, supervising artistic and organizational aspects, and developing accompanying programs such as workshops, intellectual sessions, and training activities.
The festival continues to play a key role in documenting Egyptian theatre productions and encouraging artistic competition among theatre groups, helping to improve the quality of performance both technically and creatively.
Beyond performances, the festival aims to strengthen the cultural identity of Egyptian theatre, promote awareness, and support young creators through educational and artistic initiatives.
The 19th edition is expected to introduce expanded training programs, diversified performances, and increased participation from independent theatre groups, reflecting the evolving nature of the Egyptian theatre scene.
