Egypt’s min. of culture launches 'Laugh - Think - Know' theatrical e-initiative

CAIRO - 28 April 2020: Egyptian Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem is launching the theatrical initiative "Laugh - Think - Know", implemented by the Theater House headed by Ismail Mukhtar.

The Theater House is represented by “Al-Mowagafa” Theatrical group led by Sameh Basyouni, and the National Theater group led by Ihab Fahmy.

The initiative aims to present ten short recorded plays in the first stage. Filmed by Ayman Mostafa and inspired by the short stories of Russian author Anton Chekhov, the plays are 20-50 minutes each.

This comes within the framework of the ministry’s e-initiative “Stay At Home, Culture Is Between Your Hands”, and will be available on the ministry’s official YouTube channel.

“The initiative will also include an explanation of Chekov's approach and an analysis of the theatrical works and their implications, in order to achieve the goal of the initiative embodied in its slogan (Laugh - think - know),” said Abdel Dayem.

The plays are performed by some of the most prominent Egyptian literary and artistic symbols, including great director Galal el-Sharkawy, Samir el-Asfouri, Sanaa Shafea, Essam el-Sayed, Fahmy el-Khouly and others.

Abdel Dayem confirmed that their participation enriches the initiative and adds to the work of the National Theater. She added that the chosen stories convey many positive messages that contribute to the spread of lofty ideals and values.

She explained that Egypt's rediscovery for the works of international literature reflects Egypt's openness to various cultures.