Daily Dose of Art: Egypt’s Wamda Troupe Revives The Puppetry Cultural Heritage!
By Nada Hamouda
For centuries, the art of shadow puppet performance was an inseparable part of the lives of the Egyptians and is a prominent part of their culture, however, it’s now facing the threat of modernity. Thus, we’re glad to let you know that in the courtyard of El-Sehaymi House in the Medieval Cairo, a young audience gathers for a weekly puppet show, enjoying an art that goes back to the thirteenth century.
Every Friday at 6:30 pm, “Al Aragouz”, classic Arabic synonym for Puppet, and “Shadow Puppet” shows put on for the public by Wamda (Spark of Light) troupe. Established in 2003, by a University Professor of Theatre, Nabil Bahgat, the troupe’s main goal is reviving the art of Aragouz and shadow puppet.
All done with the help of the Veteran Aragouz Player, Saber Al Masry, who spent most of his life roaming the Egyptian “Mulids” and street carnivals with Folk Song Icon, Mahmoud Shokooko. “Thank you for coming here to help spread our purpose, our culture, our legacy. Please, keep visiting,” said Al-Masry, the 78-year-old puppeteer.
Behind the white curtains is the soul of the performance, the puppeteers. They use their dexterous hands and voice to make the puppets, handmade from leather and cardboard, stroke their beards, nod their heads and wave their hands.
According to Nabil Bahgat’s book The Egyptian Aragouz, the puppet art has more likely introduced into the Muslim and Arab world from India and became popular in the Mamluk era. The long-lived art is the greatest story-telling tradition where the plays discussed political, social and historical topics in a satirical manner.
Before the performance, the troupe provides workshops for kids at 4:00 pm under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture. The workshops include several types of art like acting, painting and more, however, the main focus is on designing puppets and mastering the art of puppetry.
“My friends are insane over football and they keep fighting over games, but I know that watching football on TV won’t make me special. So, I am here learning acting and I believe that I’ll be a great performer one day,” said the twelve-year-old Hussein, who came alone to attend the workshop and watch the performance.
Moreover, the troupe is trying to bring people’s attention back to the traditional art around the world. Hence, they have been traveling the globe for over a decade performing in several countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Mauritania, and Tunisia.
Via: Facebook
“The community they have here is taking us back to the old Egypt, the safety, and friendly atmosphere which we’re missing nowadays. I take three transportations to get my three children here, and still I would go even further to feel what my kids and I experience in that place” said Wessam, a 53-year-old Mother.
Via: Facebook
