Arab Forum for Puppetry to kick off in Cairo

This follows the conclusion of the judging process for the fifth edition of the Arab Forum for Puppetry and Related Arts competitions, during which the applicants were chosen to compete in two tracks.

First: Scientific research titled "Puppetry Techno – Popular Performing Arts Techno: Research and Experimentation"

The committee reviewed the research papers submitted for consideration at the intellectual symposium and discussed its expected impact within a long-term plan for developing scientific research in these arts, given the scarcity of relevant Arabic research content. The committee decided to delay the symposium until the next session of the forum and will announce new submission deadlines and formats later. It also chose to explore the details of the subtopics under the main theme to broaden the scope of scholarly benefit, recognising the importance of the theme and the need to establish a research framework that contributes to the development of these arts, which are vital for preserving identity and authenticity.

Secondly: Non-Egyptian artistic performances (puppets, marionettes, shadow puppetry, storytelling, magic box)

The committee reviewed 23 Arab performances, with those from Egypt to be chosen later by the Cairo Puppet Theatre. She selected four puppet shows and two performances related to the arts. These performances are:

Three main works were selected, with a fourth considered as a backup in case one of the three cannot participate. These are: Specters – directed by Habiba Jendoubi – Tunisia, Puppet Troupe; Ants and Peace, directed by Hassan Salmi – Tunisia, Mask for Artistic Production; The Captain, directed by Farhat Okba – Algeria, Batna Regional Theatre; and finally, Beautiful Imagination, directed by Mohamed El Akhwas from Tunisia.

The related arts performances included: The Shy One (a theatrical storyteller) by Osama Al Masri, directed by Khalil Askari from Palestine, and Traveller (a street performance art) from Algeria, directed by Houssine Smicha.

(The secret of the craft) practical scientific seminars:

To enhance both theoretical and practical understanding, the committee suggested organising a seminar at the Intellectual Forum titled "The Secret of the Craft." This seminar will feature a series of interactive lectures delivered by distinguished Arab and international experts.

Three honoured puppeteers

The Arab Theatre Institute has selected three Arab puppeteers to be honoured for their contributions and achievements in puppetry. They are: Qada Ben Smicha (Uncle Qada) from Algeria, Mohamed Keshk from Egypt, and Abdel Salam Abdo from Palestine.

Puppet and doll exhibition

The festival will feature a puppet and doll exhibition by artists from Egypt and the Arab world. The exhibition will be held at the Hanager Theatre's exhibition hall and curated by the Egyptian artist Walid Badr.

On this occasion, the Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute, Ismail Abdullah, stated: “I extend my sincere thanks to the committee that evaluated the scientific research for its dedication and high regard for the role that scientific research must play in developing these arts so they may occupy their rightful place in the broader landscape of Arab performing arts. I also commend the committee that selected the participating performances. We at the Arab Theatre Institute look forward to puppeteers playing their part in elevating these foundational arts—arts that have carried the visions and creativity of peoples who have succeeded one another in presenting and preserving them. While the creators of these arts fade into obscurity, their art remains prominent. Thus, these have become popular arts belonging to the people, and the people belonging to them. We will work with Arab puppeteers to develop the craft and creativity and to solidify the educational role of puppetry and the performing arts.”

The Institute will disclose the programme details, locations, and dates for the various events at a later stage.