The 18th edition of the Egyptian National Theater Festival, one of Egypt's most significant cultural events, is set to kick off in the second half of July. The artistic community and the public are eagerly awaiting this event, which reflects the rich and flourishing identity of Egyptian theater. Under the presidency of actor Mohamed Riad, who has been appointed to this important role, the festival faces significant challenges to ensure its success this year, prompting intensive preparations from the organizing team.
Mohamed Riad, who feels honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility by the Ministry of Culture, expressed his great happiness with the selection. He emphasized that this responsibility is not just an honor but a cultural trust, and that he and his team will exert their utmost effort to present an exceptional edition worthy of the festival's rich history. Riad explained that this year's festival will feature a wide range of cultural and artistic activities aimed at supporting the overall theater movement, highlighting young talents with fresh perspectives on Egyptian theater, while also giving significant space to the pioneers who contributed to the development and shaping of Egyptian theater over the past decades.
Riad also mentioned that this edition would particularly focus on distinguished theatrical performances that reflect the contemporary reality of theater in Egypt, allowing the audience to discover new works that will enhance theatrical creativity. Moreover, young talents will have a fantastic opportunity to showcase their works, contributing to an artistic environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and opinions between generations of theater practitioners.
The festival is expected to pay special attention to the artistic workshops and intellectual seminars it will host, featuring a select group of critics and theater professionals from Egypt and the Arab world. These discussions will address topics related to the evolution of theater and the challenges facing the theatrical industry in light of the cultural and artistic changes occurring in the country. These events will provide valuable opportunities for dialogue and discussion, enriching the Egyptian theater movement and promoting constructive critical thinking.
One of the highlights of the 18th edition will be the honoring of several prominent Egyptian theater figures who have made significant contributions to the history of theatrical art. These pioneers, whose active contributions were part of the development of the theater movement in Egypt, will be recognized for their ongoing efforts in the field. The honors will serve as a tribute and acknowledgment of their work, which has inspired generations of artists and creatives in the field.
Mohamed Riad confirmed that the festival will be a comprehensive cultural event aiming to raise awareness of the importance of theater in shaping national culture, as theater is one of the pillars of art that reflects societal issues and perceptions across generations. He also noted that this festival will not only feature theatrical performances but will also include educational programs and training workshops aimed at passing on expertise to the new generation of theater artists, thus creating a professional artistic environment that enhances the position of Egyptian theater on the international stage.
In his closing remarks, Mohamed Riad made an enthusiastic call for all artists, theater professionals, media personnel, and the Egyptian public to participate in the festival's activities, emphasizing that this edition will be a pivotal moment in the history of the festival. It will contribute to showcasing the best of Egyptian and Arab theater and provide a significant opportunity to present new experiences and works. He pointed out that the festival is considered a "big home" for all theater lovers and affirmed that collaboration between all parties—practitioners, producers, and the audience—will play a decisive role in the success of this edition.
The 18th edition of the Egyptian National Theater Festival will mark a new phase in the development of theatrical art and is expected to attract a large audience, whether from theater enthusiasts or those interested in the arts in general. Additionally, it will reaffirm the strength of theatrical art in Egypt and its cultural and social impact, thus enhancing the presence of this art form in the Egyptian and Arab cultural scene.
