Ancient Egyptian Puppetry Is Making a Comeback (Video)
The ancient art of Egyptian puppetry, tracing its roots back to the era of the Pharaohs, has found a remarkable resurgence in the contemporary world. Puppet performances, along with the enchanting shadow theatre productions, even thrived during the Ottoman Empire. One key figure behind the revival is Mohamed El-Sawy, a passionate Egyptian who, in 2004, established the El-Sakia Puppet Theatre. El-Sawy's dedication goes beyond the stage; he personally crafts the puppets, painstakingly hand-stitching their costumes. Every first Thursday of the month, the El-Sawy Culturewheel Theatre in Cairo's Zamalek district draws an audience of around 500 for its captivating puppet shows. The theatre recently paid tribute to the iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, demonstrating the versatility of this art form.
To engage younger generations and preserve Egyptian heritage, the company also presents educational plays that tour both North Africa and Europe, ensuring that the legacy of Egyptian puppetry endures. The resurgence of Egyptian puppetry is a captivating journey into the past, providing a glimpse into the vibrant traditions of this remarkable culture. It underscores the enduring power of storytelling and the determination to maintain ancient traditions in an ever-evolving world.
- The Ancient Beginnings of the Art of Shadow Puppetry
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Top image: Egyptian puppetry. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Euronews.
