Khaled Galal’s Latest Production Offers Social

After the Night Falls

                  ( Ba3d El Leil )

Commentary through Comic Relief

Review by Lydia Schoonderbeek

The success of his last production staged at the Center for Artistic Creativity (Opera House), set the expectation levels extraordinarily high for director Khaled Galal’s latest work. But if there was any sense of trepidation at the task of making there was thankfully little evidence that they had buckled under the weight.

Although much is made of the parallels between satirical comedy and cultural issues we are facing today, the true joy of Khaled Galal’s play is cleverly subversive. The show packs a huge feel-good punch offering an evening well spent. The show touched upon real issues we are contending with on a social level, from sexual violence, to poverty, overindulgence in social media, to disability. Galal, tells us there was a time maybe 15 or 20 years ago when family life was substantial, where all we did was eat, sleep and spend time together. Today we are merely communicating with each other on an impersonal level. We have created a wall of social media, which has become most people’s comfort zone and means of escapism. His brand of comedy sheds light on such issues in a non-aggressive manner.

The cast was comprised of 33 actors, all of whom are graduating from the cultural center from a pool of 2,000 applicants. Unlike anything I have seen, with the acting was passionate, sincere, and extremely professional. All performances were uniformly outstanding.

The play is a frenzy of brilliant inspiration, leaving you with an infectious energy palpable throughout Galal’s production.

This play is a huge success and has set a new benchmark for the quality we can expect from The Center for Artistic Creativity, which achieved a new high in energy, wit and spectacle, one that has to be shared.

Cairo East Magazine gets a chance to catch up with some of the young actors:

Toni Maher

1. Why acting?

I have always loved acting, and from a young age I always wanted to be different characters, and have different skills. Acting gives me a chance to do exactly that.

2. How do you feel you struggle as an actor?

There is no struggle; if you love something, there are no difficulties.

Mohamed Ezz

1. What is the best part of being an actor?

I can be different people, which I can express in daily life. It’s difficult at first getting into characters, and being able to get out of it.

2. What is the scariest part for you in doing this play?

Maintaining the same character throughout the entire play as a schizophrenic. It takes a lot of energy to keep my form, and not breaking it.

Sara Ibrahim

1. Why did you choose acting?

I did a lot of workshops 6 years ago, and I acted in various smaller roles and I fell in love with the experience.

2. What’s the best part of being an actress?

I wanted the chance to learn and expand as a person, and acting helps me develop this. Also it’s great because my family supports my passion 100%, especially my mother.

Details:

– The show is on everyday of the week from 8-10pm.

– Tickets are available at box office of The Center for Artistic Creativity – The Opera House.

– Tickets are not sold, and each attendee must be present and needs to queue from 6:30pm onwards to get a ticket, as there is only a certain number available.