Yehia El-Fakharany's King Lear Will Be Staged at the National Theater After Eid Al-Fitr 2025

Dr. Ayman El-Shiwi, Dean of the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and Director of the National Theater announced that the play King Lear, starring Yehia El-Fakharany and directed by Shady Sorour Ali, will be staged again at the National Theater after Eid Al-Fitr 2025.
Shakespeare's King Lear tells the story of King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. His youngest daughter refuses to flatter him, so he disinherits her.
He then sets a condition that he will live with each daughter for a certain period while distributing his wealth.
However, his daughters conspire to seize everything for themselves.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Egypt Independent

5 days ago

• Egypt Independent

Veteran actor Yehia al-Fakharany returns to stage in 'King Lear'

Veteran Egyptian actor Yehia al-Fakharany is set to star in a stage production of William Shakespeare's 'King Lear' for the third time in his career. He is currently finalizing rehearsals, with the play scheduled to open at the end of June. Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Hanou, recently attended a rehearsal of 'King Lear' at the National Theater. He announced that the show would officially open to the public by the end of the month. Al-Fakharany leads a large cast of stars, including Tarek al-Desouki, Tamer al-Kashef, Mohamed al-Azayzi, Ahmed Othman, Hassan Youssef, Tarek Sharaf, and Reem al-Masry. The production is directed by Shady Sorour. The Minister of Culture expressed his immense pleasure at al-Fakharany's return to the National Theater stage, emphasizing that the esteemed actor is a symbol of genuine creativity, possessing unique talent and an exceptional career. He added that 'King Lear' marks the convergence of sophisticated theatrical creativity and brilliant performance, commending the outstanding artistic level of preparation. He congratulated al-Fakharany on his return, stating it will restore the theater's brilliance and glory. He also emphasized that the revival of 'King Lear' represents a significant step in the Ministry of Culture's efforts to support serious and distinguished theater. The Minister is always eager to provide the technical and logistical support for the show's success and to create a suitable environment for a strong and promising theater season. Al-Fakharany thanked the Minister of Culture for his full support and keen follow-up of all preparation stages for the show, affirming that 'King Lear' holds a special place in his artistic history. The Head of the Artistic Home for Theater, Hisham Atwa, lauded the immense value of veteran actor al-Fakharany and his significant role in enriching the Egyptian theater movement. He highlighted that 'King Lear' is an exceptional production anticipated to draw a large audience, announcing the official opening will be in the last week of June at the National Theater. The return of 'King Lear' In this new production, al-Fakharany marks his third portrayal of King Lear, but this time, he embodies the character at its true age of 80. Having previously played the role in his sixties, this iteration promises to be the most authentic and true to the written character. Al-Fakharany explained that this will allow him to convey the character's psychological state through all its stages and conditions. Al-Fakharany's third portrayal of 'King Lear' comes shortly after his selection as a symbol of Arab Culture for 2025. This coincides with the 11th annual Arab Poetry Day. The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) recently announced his selection in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Arab art and culture. Throughout his long career, al-Fakharany has played a crucial role in promoting Arab cultural identity, with his enduring creativity impacting various generations, making him an icon of Egyptian and Arab art. Al-Fakharany first performed 'King Lear' 23 years ago in 2001, at the National Theater. That production featured a large cast, including the late Ashraf Abdel Ghafour, Reham Abdel Ghafour, Ashraf Abdel Baky, and Salwa Mohamed Ali, and was directed by the late Ahmed Abdel Halim. He reprised the role in 2019 at Cairo Show Theater, with a different ensemble of stars. This cast included the late Farouk al-Fishawy, along with Rania Farid Shawky, Heba Magdy, Nedal al-Shafey, Reham Abdel Ghafour, Nasser Seif, Ayman al-Shewy, Ahmed Azmy, Ahmed Fouad Selim, and Mohamed Fahim. Tamer Karam directed this rendition. When asked about his particular affinity for 'King Lear', al-Fakharany explained that he had reviewed numerous plays and scripts before committing to 'King Lear,' but he became convinced that this play was the best and most suitable offering for his audience. 'King Lear' is based on the famous work by English writer William Shakespeare and has been performed multiple times on stage and adapted for cinema globally. The play's events unfold as King Lear decides to abdicate his throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Regan, Cordelia, and Goneril. He intends to grant the largest share of his kingdom to his most beloved daughter, the youngest, Cordelia. However, his two elder daughters, try to manipulate their father with flattery. Cordelia, in contrast, declares her love without embellishment, which enrages her father, leading him to disown her. The events escalate as his two elder daughters refuse to host him in their homes, driving Lear to madness as he wanders in a storm. His exiled youngest daughter eventually returns with an army, and her sisters lose the battle. The play concludes tragically with Lear and all his daughters dying, concluding a gripping story about love, betrayal, power, and fatherhood. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

See - Sada Elbalad

12-06-2025

• See - Sada Elbalad

Film "Ahmed Wi Ahmed" Unveils New Poster and Release Date

Yara Sameh A brand new poster has revealed the release date for Egyptian stars Ahmed El Sakka and Ahmed Fahmy's upcoming film "Ahmed Wi Ahmed". Originally slated to release Eid al-Adha movie marathon, the film now releases in cinemas on July 2. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Film Square productions (@filmsquareproductions) The pic boasts a cast that includes Tarek Lotfy, Ghada Abdel Razek, Gihan El Shamashergy, Mohamed Lotfy, and more. Ahmed Nader Galal directs the film from a script by Ahmed Darwish and Mohamed Abdullah. Film Square is the studio behind the pic. The official logline for the film reads: "After years abroad, Ahmed returns to Egypt to settle down - but his plans are disrupted when his uncle, Ahmed, is injured in a mysterious accident. Rushing to his side, Ahmed discovers a shocking secret: his uncle is the mastermind of a hidden criminal empire. With his uncle now suffering from amnesia, Ahmed must help him uncover a past he can't remember, while evading dangerous enemies and uncovering secrets that could tear their world apart." The film marks the first collaboration between El Sakka and Lotfy on the big screen in 19 years after the 2006 film "Ean Aleashq Walhuaa". "Ahmed Wi Ahmed" also witnesses the fourth collaboration between the two stars after the TV series "El Atawla" seasons one and season 2, the 2006 film "Ean Aleashq Walhuaa", and the 1998 film "Saeidi Fil Gameaa Al Amerikeya". read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean

Egypt Today

08-06-2025

• Egypt Today

90% of "Assad" Wrapped: Historical Epic Nears Completion

The remaining scenes for the film "Assad" will be completed after Eid Al-Adha, after which the director will begin the post-production phase, which includes editing, sound mixing, scoring, and other final touches. Ultimately, the film will be prepared for release locally, regionally, and internationally. Producer Moussa Abu Taleb emphasized that the production is following a meticulous plan to ensure the film is released in the best possible manner, with full support in terms of sets, costumes, and action training. He stated, 'The production of 'Assad' is massive and requires significant time for preparation and rehearsals. It takes us back to the 1800s and beyond—a historical period with unique details in clothing, set design, and accessories, which we aim to present cinematically with precision and authenticity.' Abu Taleb added, 'We began preparations and previews over a year ago. Set designer Ahmed Fayez worked with a large team of engineers and workers to build sets that accurately reflect the era, in close collaboration with director Mohamed Diab. They also selected shooting locations that perfectly match the story's events—totaling 15 locations across Cairo, its outskirts, and several other governorates. Some sets, like those in the Media Production City, took nearly three months to complete. Preparations also included garments and accessories for approximately 2,000 people. Costume designer Reem El-Adl and her team exerted tremendous effort over six months to create period-accurate costumes for multiple scenes.' He also discussed the intense preparation for the film's action sequences, which were rehearsed over various periods. He noted that the film includes numerous action scenes designed in a style never before seen in Arab cinema. These sequences were created in collaboration with a professional team led by world-renowned action choreographer Kaloyan Vodenicharov, who extensively trained the cast. The film features around 70 actors, including 12 major stars and special guests from Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan. Additionally, 50 supporting actors appear in the film—some in single yet pivotal scenes. Regarding the release date, Abu Taleb stated, 'At this stage, we cannot confirm a specific release date. All production phases must be fully completed first. Each stage is critical and will be executed with great care in specially selected locations to ensure the highest standards in image, sound, music, and visual effects. We aim to deliver a unique cinematic experience. Only once the film is finalized will we decide on a release date.' On the story itself, he said, 'The events of 'Assad' unfold within a social and romantic framework, infused with suspense and action. The film explores themes of racial discrimination and the mistreatment of marginalized individuals in a historical context when such issues were prevalent and deeply impactful. 'Assad' presents a fresh narrative that has never been told on screen before—marked by originality and intensity.' Most notably, "Assad" is directed by Mohamed Diab and written by Sherine Diab, Mohamed Diab, and Khaled Diab. The cinematography is by Ahmad Bishary, with editing by Ahmed Hafez. The sets are designed by Ahmed Fayez, costumes by Reem El-Adl, and the soundtrack is composed by Hisham Nazih. The film is produced by Moussa Abu Taleb's Good Fellas Media Production, in collaboration with Big Time Fund and Emad Sayed Ali's Scoop Egypt Production. The cast includes Mohamed Ramadan, Lebanese actress Razane Jammal, Ali Kassem, Maged El-Kidwani, Sudanese actor Eslam Mubarak, Ahmed Dash, and Palestinian actor Kamel El-Basha.