"WHO'S HAVING THE DUCK? CELEBRATION AND PARTY TIME" by Harold Pinter at AUC

Harold Pinter's two one-act plays "Celebration" and "Party Time" will be presented by American University in Cairo Performing and Visual Department at the Gerhart Theatre in the new campus from Thursday October 1 to Thursday October 8, 2009. All shows at 7:00 PM except on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 when they'll start at 5:00 PM.

For more details about the performers and when and where to get tickets, click here.

BREAKING NEWS: I have just been informed that the show has been postponed one week. It will start on Thursday October 8 and will run until Thursday October 15.

TANZTHEATER WUPPERTAL PINA BAUSCH at the Cairo Opera House

On Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 8:00 PM the internationally acclaimed Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch will perform at the Cairo Opera House. They will present two shows: "Bamboo Blues" and "Sacre du Printemps", two of the most renowned production of the recently passed away choreographer Pina Bausch.

This is the first time the Ensemble performs in the African continent and the Arab world and is an opportunity not to be missed. The event is brought to us by the Goethe Institute in Egypt in cooperation with the Cairo Opera House. You will find more information in this dedicated page of the Goethe Institute (German only).

Click here for the link to the website of the Tanztheater Wuppertal (German only) and here for a wonderful article on Pina Bausch written on Al-Ahram Weekly (in English) by Walid Aouni, heart and mind of the modern dance scene in Egypt.

Italian Comedy at the Italian Cultural Centre

The movie "Tre mogli" ("Three wifes") directed by Marco Risi, 2001, will be screened tomorrow, Sunday September 27, 2009 at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM in the premises of the Italian Cultural Centre in Zamalek.
Italian with English subtitles. Free entry.

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC SEP. 26 - OCT. 2

Saturday, September 26, 2009

- Cairo Symphony Orchestra directed by Ahmed El Saedi with soloist Wessam Ahmed (Oboe) present music from Haydn, Martinu and Beethoven in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM

- Deep Sleep (Portugal/Electropop) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:00 PM

- Yehya Khalil (Jazz) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 7:00 PM

- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray 9:00 PM

- Beshir (Modern Egyptian folk) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:30 PM

Sunday, September 27, 2009

- Harmony Band (Contemporary Egyptian Music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM

- National Arab Music Ensemble at the Arab Music Institute, 9:00 PM

- F.Y.I. (Latin jazz fusion) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:30 PM

- Bisheer (Nubian music) at After8, 10:00 PM

- El Nil Troupe for Folk music at Beit El Suheimi, 8:00 PM

Monday, September 28, 2009

- Hossam Samir Choir (Arabic music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

- Ramzy Liner and Maurice Luke (Electronic music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM

- Habashi and the Jazz Caterers (Upbeat funk jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:30 PM

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

- Ali El Haggar (Arabic music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:00 PM

- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray 9:00 PM

Thursday, October 1, 2009

- Abdel Halim Nowera Ensemble for Arab Music at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM

- Simon Fagan Band (Ireland/Rock’n’Roll) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 10:30 PM
- Sahra Band (Rai music) at After8, 10:00 PM

Friday, October 2, 2009

- Sayed Darwish Choir from Alexandria at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM

- Fathy Salama and Sharkiat in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Simon Fagan Band (Ireland) at El Geneina Theatre in Al-Azhar Park, 8:00 PM

The magic lute

I came across a very interesting article in Al-Ahram Weekly that should appeal to anybody who has an interest in the oud. To read it, follow this link http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/965/cu2.htm 

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC SEP. 19 - SEP. 25

As expected, the next will be a week of lull, after the deluge of performances during the Ramadan month, but it still has its big hit: the opening of the Symphonic Season at the Cairo Opera House on Saturday with an interesting program of music from Rimsky-Korsakov. If you stay in Cairo that's surely a wonderful ... night at the Opera.
HAPPY EID to you all.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

- Opening Concert of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra 2009/2010 season with music from Rimsky-Korsakov, director: Marcello Mottadelli. Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray 9:00 PM (Due to Eid holidays, not confirmed at time of posting, please check at 25111497)

Sunday, September 20, 2009

- El-Nil Troupe for Folk Instruments at Beit El Suheimi, 8:30 PM (Due to Eid holidays, not confirmed at time of posting, please check at 25913391)

Monday, September 21, 2009

- Black Theama (Contemporary Egyptian music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:00 PM

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

- Khadr El-Attar (Nubian music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:00 PM

- Nass Makan at the Makan, 9:00 PM (Due to Eid holidays, not confirmed at time of posting, please check at 27920878)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray 9:00 PM (Due to Eid holidays, not confirmed at time of posting, please check at 25111497)

- Ashara Gharby Band at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:00 PM

- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00 PM (Due to Eid holidays, not confirmed at time of posting, please check at 27920878)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

- Heritage Ensemble for Arab Music at the Ghomouria Theatre, 9:00 PM

Friday, September 25, 2009

- Tony Kaldas (Arabic songs) in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 9:00 PM

- Klaket Band (Contemporary Egyptian music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM

"THE POISON TREE" online for free; directly from the author MARWA RAKHA

It seems that Marwa Rakha, the author of the controversial book "The Poison Tree" is having some problems with her publisher (good luck there), so she decided to make the book available for free on her website.
I bought and read the book some six months ago and found it courageous, originally written, and entertaining, so I definitely suggest you to buy or download it.
It is also worth browsing her website for articles she wrote on magazines, and correspondence she had with readers. As a non-Egyptian, interested in Egyptian culture and society, I found them very interesting.

GAMAL EL GHITANY at CFCC Mounira

The renowned Egyptian writer Gamal El Ghitany will hold a conference (Arabic with French simultaneous translation) tomorrow Monday, September 14, 2009 at 9:30 PM at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira. The evening will be graced by the melodies of the oud player Mamdouh El-Gébaly.

AL TAMYE THEATRE AT THE RAWABET THEATRE

Al Tamye Theatre Company will perform their piece "El-Tamy Wahed W El Shagar Alwan" tomorrow Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the Rawabet Theatre at 9:00 PM

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC SEP.12 - SEP.18

Saturday, September 12, 2009

- Léda Atomica Musique (France/Egypt) at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira, 9:30 PM
- Luthomania Trio (China/Morocco/Belgium) at the Genaina Theatre in Al Azhar Park, 9:30 PM
- Beit El Oud Orchestra directed by Nasseer Shamma at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM
- Wust El Balad in the Open Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray 9:00 PM
- City Band (Contemporary Egyptian Music) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:30 PM
- 2nd Religious Chants and Sufi Music Meeting (RCSMM): Al-Hamidiya Al-Shazliya Troupe at the Ghouri Palace, 9:00 PM
- Omneya Samir at Beit El-Harrawi, 9:00 PM
- Raouf El-Ghanainy (Trumpet) at Beit Al Suheimi, 9:00 PM

Sunday, September 13, 2009

- Ahmed El Haggar (Oud) and Ahmed El Haggar Junior (Voice) at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira, 9:30 PM
- Ana Masry in a mix of Egyptian Christian Psalms and Sufi Praises at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 10:00 PM
- Mahmoud Hendawi (Religious chants) in the Open Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM
- 2nd RCSMM: Mustafa Antar Ensemble at the Ghouri Palace, 9:00 PM
- Reem Kamal (Classical Arab songs) at Beit El Harrawi, 9:00 PM
- Amir Taz Choir at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM
- Troupe El Nil (Folk music and singing) at Beit Al Suheimi, 9:00 PM
- Mahmoud Ali Suleiman (Arabic music) at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 9:00 PM

Monday, September 14, 2009

- Hassan Sharara (Violin) and Emad Hamdi (Guitar) recital in the Open Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM
- Sheikh Mahmoud Yassin Al-Tohami (Religious chants) at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 9:00 PM
- 2nd RCSMM: Zahra El-Madani (Tunisia/Oud) and Samaa Troupe at the Ghouri Palace, 9:00 PM
- Osama Ezzedine (Jazz) at Beit El Harrawi, 9:00 PM
- Racha Saad (Flute) at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM
- Khaled Youssef (Nubian music) at Beit El Suheimi, 9:30

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

- Salma El Assal (Traditional Sudanese music) at the Makan, 9:30 PM
- The Egyptian Project (France/Egypt) at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira, 9:30 PM
- Amer El Touny (Sufi Inshad) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 10:00 PM
- Closing Night of the 2nd Religious Chant and Sufi Music Meeting with performances by all participants at the Ghouri Palace, 9:00 PM
- Farid Al-Bably (Iraq/Oud) at Beit El Harrawi, 9:00 PM
- Hussein Fawzi’s Masriya Band at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

- Cairo Opera Company and Orchestra conducted by Nader Abbassi present “Musicals and Neapolitan” in the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM
- The Nubian Drums Troupe led by Intessar Abdel-Fattah in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM
- Nass Makan at the Makan, 9:30 PM
- Nesma Abdel Aziz (Percussions) at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira, 9:30 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray 9:00 PM
- Togezer (France/Egypt) at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 9:30 PM
- Karim Samy (Oud), Omar Sobhi (Cello) and Mohamed Baki (Violin) recital of Classical Arab music at the French Cultural Centre in Heliopolis, 8:30 PM

Thursday, September 17, 2009

- Cairo Opera Company and Orchestra conducted by Nader Abbassi present “Musicals and Neapolitan” in the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM
- Wust El Balad at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 10:00 PM
- Mounir Nasreddin Band in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

Friday, September 18, 2009

"PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL" - Documentary

The award-winning documentary "Pray the Devil back to hell" by Gini Reticker will be shown tomorrow Thursday, September 11, 2009 in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek in the frame of the Women Dignity Seminar.

"Pray the Devil Back to Hell" is the gripping account of a group of brave and visionary women who demanded peace for Liberia, a nation torn to shreds by a decades-old civil war.  The women's historic yet unsung achievement finds voice in a narrative that intersperses contemporary interviews, archival images, and scenes of present-day Liberia together to recount the experiences and memories of the women who were instrumental in bringing lasting peace to their country.

QITHARA ENSEMBLE in concert

I just came to know that the Qithara Ensemble, one of the best Egyptian ensembles of traditional music, is playing tomorrow Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Ghouri Caravansaray at 9:00 PM.
Good concert if you're around.

Al Tamye Theatre Company

A reader has attracted my attention to the existence of the Al Tamye Theatre Company. They have been on the Cairo scene for quite some time and, judging from their website, they are serious about their job.

"El-Tamey Wa7ed Wel Shagar Alwan", a musical-theatrical performance of political and comedy sketches first performed in 2003 with songs of Sheikh Emam and Adli Fakhry will be performed tomorrow, Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Jesuit Theatre in Ramses at 9:00 PM.
I forgot to ask, but I suspect it will be in Arabic only (that puts it off my ability of comprehension). And sorry,  do not waste time looking in the Venues section for information about the Jesuit Theatre because ... I honestly did not even know it existed. 

Anyway, there's always a first (that is: the first time I post something about which I do not really have a clue) but this theatre company endeavour seems to me worth supporting.
Let me know what you think if you happen to go and see their show.Good luck Al Tamye!

EIN SHAMS (The Eye of the Sun)

The internationally acclaimed movie "EIN SHAMS" (The Eye of the Sun), winner at the festivals of Rotterdam and Taormina will be screened tomorrow, Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 9:30 PM at the Goethe Institute in Cairo 17, Sharia Hussein Wassef, Midan El-Missaha, Dokki. If you haven't seen it yet, do not lose this opportunity, it is a wonderful movie.

A meeting with the director Ibrahim El Batout will take place in Arabic and English at the end of the movie.

GALAL AMIN and KHALED AL KHAMISSI Wednesday September 9, 2009

Galal Amin's "Whatever Happened to the Egyptians" was one of the first books I read when I arrived in Egypt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe it is a book that any expat interested in Egypt should read to have a better understanding of his host country. Its sequel "Whatever (else) happened to the Egyptians" is also worth reading. Galal Amin will give a lecture entitled "What life taught me" tomorrow, Wednesday September 9 at 9:30 PM at the Goethe Institute in Cairo - 17, Sharia Hussein Wassef - Midan El-Wissaha, Dokki. The talk will be in Arabic with English translation.

Another book I read and enjoyed was Al Khamissi's "Taxi". To celebrate the publication of the French translation of the book and to discuss about his new work, the French Cultural Centre in Mounira is organizing a meeting with the author at 9:00 PM. As far as I understood, the talk will be in French only.

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC SEP. 5 - SEP. 11

Saturday, September 5, 2009

- Wagih Aziz  (Oud and Singing) at El Sawi, 10:00 PM

- Yasser Moawad Arabic Takht Ensemble in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Troupe at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 9:00 PM

- Wust El Balad at Beit El Harrawi, 9:00 PM

- El Tanboura from Port Said at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM

- Nasseer Shamma (Iraq/Oud) and Oyoun Group at Beit El-Suheimi, 9:00 PM

- Al Mawlawehyya and Al-Messaharati Troupes at the Al-Ayem Theatre in Giza, 10:00 PM

- Dessouqi Al-Sheikh (Folk songs) at the Saad Zaghloul Centre in Mounira, 9:00 PM

- Samaa Troupe led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah with Indonesian Troupe for Religious Singing and Spanish guitarist Fernando at the Ghouri Palace, 9:30 PM

- Abdel-Halim Noweira Arab Music Ensemble led by Salah Gobashi  at the Citadel, 10:00 PM

Sunday, September 6, 2009

- Nagham Masry at the Goethe Institute in Dokki, 9:30 PM

- Hossam Saqr in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Angelica Band with Nubian singer Ahmed Sallam (Nubian music) at Beit El Harrawi, 9:00 PM

- El Nil Troupe (Folk music) at Beit El-Suheimi, 9:00 PM

- Reda Troupe (Folk music and dance) at the Al-Ayem Theatre in Giza, 10:00 PM

- Sheikh El-Helbawi (Mawal) at the Ghouri Palace, 9:30 PM

- Beni Souef Folk Dance troupe and pop singer Mohamed El-Helw  at the Citadel, 10:00 PM

Monday, September 7, 2009

- Indian Folk Dance and Music at the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM (Invitation only: tickets to be collected at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb Str. - Downtown Tel.  02 23933396)

- Ibrahim Abdel Kader (Arabi music) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi, 10:00 PM

- Nesma Abdel Aziz (Percussions) in the Open Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Ghassan Al-Youssef and Dina Abdel-Hamid (Oud) at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM

- Abbad El-Shams Choir (Palestine) at the Saad Zaghloul Centre in Mounira, 9:00 PM

- Indonesian Troupe for Religious Singing at the Ghouri Palace, 9:30 PM

- Nasseer Shamma (Iraq/Oud) and singer Ahmed El-Attar at the Citadel, 10:00 PM

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

- El Sheikh Sayed Imama (Zikr and Sufi songs) at the Makan, 9:30 PM

- Fathy Salama and Sharqiat band in the Open Air Theatre of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Al Tannoura Children Troupe at Beit El Harrawi, 9:00 PM

- Sharara Sextet (Classical music) at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:00 PM

- Reda Troupe (Folk music and dance) at the Al-Ayem Theatre in Giza, 10:00 PM

- Samaa troupe led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah (Sufi music and songs) at the Ghouri Palace, 9:30 PM

- Angham Al-Shabab troupe and Al-Masrya Folk Dance Troupe at the Citadel, 10:00 PM

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

- Madayeh (with Mazaher) at the Makan, 9:30 PM

- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Troupe at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 9:00 PM

- Yorka Band led by pianist Abdel-Moneim Said (Andalusian and Algerian Songs) at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:30 PM

- Dima Band (Contemporary Egyptian songs) at Beit El Harrawi, 9:30 PM

- Asatizat Al-Tarab troupe at Beit El-Suheimi, 9:30 PM

- Ali El-Haggar (Arabic pop) in the Open Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Al-Hadra Troupe led by Sheikh  Gouda at the Ghouri Palace, 9:30 PM

- Magd Al-Qassem (Syria) at the Citadel, 10:00 PM

Thursday, September 10, 2009

- El Tanboura from Port Said at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira, 9:30 PM

- Azza Balbaa (Arabic music) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi, 10:00 PM

- Sheikh Ahmed Barrayn (Mawal) at the Geneina Theatre in Al-Azhar Park, 9:30 PM

- Medhat Saleh (Classical Arab songs) at the Amir Taz Palace, 9:30 PM

- Aymna El Helwa Band at Beit El Harrawi, 9:30 PM

- “A Peace Message” featuring the Samaa troupe, the Coptin Hymns troupe and the Indonesia troupe at the Ghouri Palace, 9:30 PM

Friday, September 11, 2009

- Omar Khayrat (piano) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

- Abou Simbel Ensemble at the French Cultural Centre in Mounira, 9:30 PM

- Al Mawlawehya Al Masreya Troupe of Amir El Toni in the Open Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, 9:30 PM

MOHAMED MOUNIR in concert

The great Nubian singer Mohamed Mounir and his band will perform tomorrow, Friday September 4, 2009 in the Open Space Theatre of the Cairo Opera House at 10:00. The concert will feature Religious and Sufi songs written and composed for Ramadan.  

CHECKPOINT 303

A Palestinian "sound catcher" who records on the street of Bethlehem and a Tunisian "sound cutter" based in France joined up forces in 2004 to bring to us the audio landscape of daily lives in the Middle East. The result is CHECKPOINT 303, one of the most amazing musical projects to come out from this part of the world in recent years.

Check out their excellent website at http://checkpoint303.free.fr/ and listen to some of their songs (free download).
If you are looking for something new and original, you've got it!