In these pages you will hopefully find interesting tips on how to take advantage of Cairo's many cultural opportunities, with particular attention to live events. Cairo Live Events Guide does not pretend to be exhaustive but will try to cover main events open to the public.

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

AL-GHOURI TANNOURA DANCE TROUPE


If you happen to be in the area of Khan el-Khalili or Al-Azhar mosque one Saturday, Monday or Wednesday evening, do not lose the opportunity to spend a wonderful evening of free music and dances at the nearby Ghouri Caravansaray.
The Al-Ghouri Troupe is a group of around twenty dedicated performers who, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, present a show of music on traditional instruments, chants and Tannoura dances. Tannoura is a kind of dance akin to the one performed by the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes but indigenous to Egypt and, although permeated by religious chanting and distinctly religious elements, not rooted in the Sufi tradition. In fact, according to some historians, its use in Moulids predates the Mevlevi form.
The show starts with musicians playing traditional tunes on nay, rabab and percussions, then, introduced by a religious chant, the first solo Tannoura dancer, with his green dress and striped gown takes to the stage and starts whirling. And it whirls and whirls continuously, accompanied by an entrancing melody, for about 20 minutes. The show proceeds with another session of music performed by a group of players on Nay and other wood instruments before three more dancers come on stage and start another amazing dance with various figures aimed at displaying their equilibristic prowess.
The shows start at 8:30, but if you want to be sure of a good place, try to be there at least 30 min. before. The caravansaray court is large but every time I went it was packed. Taking pictures is allowed but no filming during performances. No food and drink on sale inside. Toilet facilities are available, on the right side once inside while on the left side you will find a shop with a good selection of CDs and DVDs of traditional music (although unfortunately none of the Troupe you are going to see!) at very affordable prices.

The Al-Ghouri Tannoura Group performs every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 PM at the Ghouri Caravansaray. Door open at 7:30 PM. Performances are regularly on (save the occasional cancellation for other engagements of the troupe). See the Agenda for updates or contact Mahmoud Eissa (Director AL TANNOURA TROUPE):
Email: eissa_tannoura@yahoo.com
FoneP +2 -0125903737
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101703375365
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6 comments:

  1. al tannoura فرقة التنورةالتراثيةJanuary 22, 2010 at 3:38 PM

    Dear Friends
    In addition to Saturday and Wednesday, Monday have been added to the Tanoora art show in the Ghoory art center, the exact time for the event will be 8:30PM "sharp" and entrence(free) will be at 7:30Pm
    Mahmoud Eissa
    director al tannoura troupe

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 7, 2010 at 2:02 AM

    This was a wonderful show, we enjoyed the glimpse into Egyptian talent and culture. It was worth the wait and finding the location on our first visit to Cairo. From 2 Canadians

    ReplyDelete
  3. DODI TABBAAAugust 15, 2010 at 1:19 PM

    they are my inspiration for an art project

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 24, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    An amazing show! One more tip: the music is very loud. The instruments themselves are loud but are additionally amplified through a PA system. Last night the family in front of me had their fingers in their ears for much of the show, and then left early, sadly.

    So, I advise bringing earplugs, so you can still hear the wonderful music but it won't hurt your ears.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 23, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Has anyone heard of Tuckol Art Gallery? I found this article online, but can't find any website o blog for it. I look forward to more CLEG updates soon.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJune 3, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Tuckol Visual Contemporary Art Gallery, in Cairo. Located above the bustling Shawarby market, near local hot-spot Talaat Harb St., Tukol Art Gallery spotlights promising artists of Egyptian and African origins to an international audience.

    ReplyDelete

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