'Ard la tonbet el-zohoor': The play that inspires

CAIRO – 23 October 2018: As part of the series of theatrical plays organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, “Ard la tonbet el zohoor” (A land that doesn’t grow flowers) was performed on the ministry’s stage on Oct. 22.


Theatrical members - Photo by Mustafa Marie

The play comes within the framework of the ministry's efforts to encourage youths from different provinces around the country to pursue their artistic talents and gain theatrical experience under the ministry’s initiative entitled “Ebdaa' 1” (Creativity 1).

“Ard la tonbet el zohoor” is directed by experienced theatrical director and founder of Masrawiya theatrical group, Khaled el-Sawy, executive director Magda Mohammed Ali, who also performed on stage and assistant director Doaa Ibrahim Youssef. The performing group represented Giza province.

The show was attended by family, friends and fans of the performers, along with the judging committee; veteran actress Ferdous Abdel Hamid and veteran actor Mahmoud el-Hedeny.


Veteran Actress Ferdous Abdel Hamid with Asst. Director Magda Mohammed Ali

“We performed today the play based on the novel of veteran writer Mahmoud Diab, under “Ebda’a 1” initiative for youth centers. I want to thank all the performers on stage, and all technical personnel from lighting engineers to cameramen. A group of amazing youth between the ages of 18 and 35 performed. I do see that a lot of the talents that performed today are considered seeds that will plant in the future and become great artists,” said Sawy.

“The youth performing today worked hard to enhance their theatrical performance through several training workshops, because performing on stage is the most difficult of all arts. Dancing and acting on stage, face-to-face with the audience requires a lot of training to reach utmost confidence,” explained Sawy.

“Actor Mahmoud el-Hedeny told me earlier that a lot of the young actors and actresses pronounce the native Arabic language far better than many of the famed artists," claimed Sawy.


Veteran Actor Mahmoud el-Hedeny - Photo by Mustafa Marie / Egypt today

“The novel is extremely deep and requires a lot of talent and patience to be able to illustrate the moto of the play as the audience have to read between the lines," continued Sawy.

The play revolves around people and how they may change once they hold a position of power. “Revenge, hatred, murder and selfishness are an evil seed than can never grow into something good,” stated the director.

“Planting a good seed, representing love, faith, loyalty can only blossom into a big, beautiful flower,” the director reiterated.

Director assistant Magda Mohammed Ali told Egypt Today that she is extremely pleased with “Ebda’a 1” initiative. Ali mentioned that she hopes to participate in other events and theatrical shows.


Executive Director Magda Mohammed Ali with Assistant director Doaa Ibrahim Youssef - Photo by Mustafa Marie/ Egypt today

Ali enjoyed working with director Sawy, and was pleased to participate in such a deep novel that preaches against evil and hatred. Ali stressed that a lot of youths are in need of a good chance to expose their talents, asserting the need for more initiatives of that kind.


Executive Director Magda Mohammed Ali with Assistant director Doaa Ibrahim Youssef - Photo by Mustafa Marie / Egypt today