Joint Cooperation Between the National Center for Theater and the Alexandria International Theater Festival
Director Adel Hassan, head of the National Center for Theater, Music, and Folklore, announced the launch of a first-time joint cooperation between the Center—affiliated with the Theater Sector headed by Dr. Ayman El-Sheiwy—and the Alexandria International Theater Festival, headed by artist Ibrahim El-Forn and managed by artist Ahmed Samir.
The announcement of this cooperation coincides with the launch of the festival's sixteenth edition, which kicks off this evening, Sunday, September 20, and runs until September 26, 2026.
Objectives of the Cooperation in Preserving Theatrical Memory
Adel Hassan explained that this cooperation falls within the documentary role entrusted to the National Center for Theater, Music, and Folklore, and as part of its keenness to support the theater movement, through the National Archive project for the database and support of independent troupes and festivals.
He pointed out that through this cooperation, the Center is keen to document the most prominent theatrical experiences, figures, and events, thereby contributing to preserving Egyptian theatrical memory and making it accessible to future generations.
A Competition for Documentary Films on Alexandrian Theater Icons
The cooperation includes several tracks, most notably launching an artistic competition for documentary and archival films covering the most prominent theatrical figures in Alexandria, with the National Center for Theater, Music, and Folklore undertaking the full organization and management of the competition.
The winning films will be screened as part of the Alexandria International Theater Festival during its upcoming edition in 2027, being presented before the festival audience.
Audiovisual Documentation of Festival Events
The cooperation also includes documenting all festival events, from theatrical performances to seminars and artistic workshops, through the Creative and Documentary Production Unit affiliated with the National Center for Theater.
Publication of the Book "The Harvest" on the Festival's Recent Editions
The Center will also oversee the artistic preparation of a documentary book recording the recent editions of the Alexandria International Theater Festival, titled "The Harvest," edited by Dr. Mohamed Amin Abdel Samad, following the Center's receipt of the material for the book from the festival management.
In return, the Center will provide the festival management with a print-ready electronic copy (PDF) to be available to theater enthusiasts and festival audiences.