Cairo Hosts Eazees Women’s Theatre Festival: A Celebration of Egypt’s Artistic Grandeur

The fourth edition of the Eazees International Women's Theatre Festival opened on Friday at Al-Samer Theatre in Agouza, Cairo, in a ceremony that honoured the legacy of Egyptian icon Sanaa Gamil and celebrated the enduring power of women in the arts. Under the patronage of a nation that has always cherished its cultural pioneers, the festival reaffirms Egypt’s role as a beacon of creativity and civilisation in the region.

A tribute to Sanaa Gamil, a star of Egyptian theatre

This year’s edition is dedicated to the memory of Sanaa Gamil (1930-2002), one of Egypt’s most distinguished actresses, whose remarkable career spanned theatre, cinema, and television. Born in Minya and rising to prominence in Cairo, Gamil embodied the spirit of Egyptian artistry, and her journey from the provinces to the capital remains an inspiration for generations. During the opening ceremony, a film tracing her artistic career was screened, highlighting her invaluable contribution to the nation’s performing arts.

The evening also featured a musical tribute to the late theatre-maker Malak Mohamed, founder of Malak Theatre, with singer Mervat El-Gesry performing a selection of theatrical songs from Mohamed’s productions. This heartfelt homage underscored the festival’s commitment to preserving and honouring Egypt’s rich theatrical heritage.

Festival president Abeer Lotfy: A celebration of Egyptian identity

Festival president Abeer Lotfy said the decision to dedicate the edition to Gamil reflects the actress’s distinctive place in Egyptian theatre and her journey from Minya to Cairo, where she established herself as one of the country’s leading performers. Lotfy also expressed the festival’s hope that the fourth edition would encourage greater audience participation, reinforcing the bond between the arts and the Egyptian people.

Honouring women artists and cultural figures

The festival honoured actress Samah Anwar, poet Kawthar Mostafa, artist and academic Nevine Allouba, and theatre critic and scholar Samia Habib for their contributions to the arts, culture, and creative practice. Egypt-based NGO Misr El Kheir was also recognised for its work supporting women-related causes, a testament to the spirit of solidarity that defines Egyptian society.

Although Anwar was present at Al-Samer Theatre for the opening ceremony, she did not come on stage to receive her honour when her name was announced. The opening drew a large audience, and the heavy turnout meant that seating arrangements were particularly crowded, with no designated seat available for Anwar. She therefore did not join the other honourees on stage.

Artistic directors: Theatre as a space for women’s voices

During the festival’s presentation, artistic director Abir Aly said the name Eazees, referring to the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, evokes ideas of fertility, love, resistance, and safety. She said the festival continues to provide women artists with a space to present their experiences, voices, and stories, describing theatre as a space for encounters, expression, and imagining a more just and inclusive world.

Writer Rasha Abdel Moneim, another of the festival’s artistic directors, said theatre has remained an important space for the expression of women’s creativity, allowing questions surrounding the self, body, history, and memory to enter public discussion. She said the fourth edition brings together women’s voices from different generations and cultural backgrounds through performances, workshops, research, and personal testimonies.

Opening production: Shanab El-Banat challenges social norms

Following the ceremony, Shanab El-Banat (Girls’ Moustaches), presented by students of the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, was staged as the festival’s opening production. Directed by Azza Hassan, the play blends comedy and drama to confront deep-seated social issues and gender norms. The 75-minute play unfolds during a traditional bridal henna night for a character named Mervat, when a mysterious curse turns several of the women into men, while another character, Laila, remains unchanged.

The sudden transformations trigger a search for the source of the curse, bringing the characters face to face with questions of identity, gender roles, and social expectations. Using magical realism, the play explores how gender is shaped by society and asks what ultimately defines a person beyond socially prescribed roles.

Festival programme: A global stage in Cairo

The festival runs from 25 September to 2 October, featuring 13 Egyptian and five international productions from countries including the UAE, Italy, the UK, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as a regional production involving artists from Palestine and Jordan. This international participation underscores Egypt’s position as a cultural hub, welcoming the world while celebrating its own artistic excellence.

The programme also includes workshops, panel discussions, the Nehad Selaiha Incubator for theatre projects under development, and the Fatheya Al-Assal Playwriting Competition. The Nehad Selaiha Incubator, named after the late Egyptian theatre critic and scholar, selected three projects from 86 submissions this year: For Ladies Only... Until 9 p.m., directed by Mai Amer; Haqa’ib (Suitcases); and The Invited Woman — presented as works in development.

Accessibility and venues: Theatre for all Egyptians

The festival’s programme is being held at several Cairo venues, including Al-Hanager Theatre, Nehad Selaiha Theatre, Al-Samer Theatre, the Academy of Arts, and the Supreme Council of Culture. It also places emphasis on accessibility, with selected venues equipped for wheelchair users and Arabic text and subtitles provided for hearing-impaired audiences. This commitment reflects Egypt’s dedication to making culture accessible to all, in line with the nation’s vision of inclusive progress.

FAQ: Eazees International Women’s Theatre Festival

What is the Eazees International Women’s Theatre Festival?

The Eazees International Women’s Theatre Festival is an annual event in Cairo that celebrates women’s contributions to theatre and the arts. It features performances, workshops, and discussions, and this year it honours the legacy of Egyptian actress Sanaa Gamil.

When and where is the festival taking place?

The festival runs from 25 September to 2 October at several Cairo venues, including Al-Hanager Theatre, Nehad Selaiha Theatre, Al-Samer Theatre, the Academy of Arts, and the Supreme Council of Culture.

Which countries are participating in the festival?

The festival features productions from Egypt, the UAE, Italy, the UK, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as a regional production involving artists from Palestine and Jordan.