Actor Sherif Desouky will present a special storytelling night titled “Ala El Rayeq” at the Cairo Opera House on Sunday as part of the 19th edition of the Egyptian National Theatre Festival.
The performance, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Civilization Centre Cinema, will operate on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited seating, according to the festival, which is headed by artist Mohamed Riad.
During “Ala El Rayeq”, Desouky will present a collection of human stories and situations inspired by daily life. The interactive experience relies on direct engagement with the audience, utilising a style that combines simplicity, improvisation, and humour. The actor has previously presented the show at various cultural and artistic events, garnering significant audience interaction.
The event aligns with the festival’s commitment to diversifying its artistic activities and opening spaces for different creative experiences, organisers said. The initiative aims to enrich communication between artists and the public while reviving the art of storytelling, which is deeply connected to the Egyptian popular conscience.
Desouky is recognised as a prominent creator who combines acting, writing, directing, and storytelling. Born in Alexandria, he was raised in a theatrical environment; his father managed the Ismail Yassin Theatre, and Desouky spent his childhood living in a house behind the venue, working in various theatrical professions from an early age.
Following the demolition of the Ismail Yassin Theatre, Desouky transitioned to working with Culture Palaces and independent troupes in 1990. He has since presented numerous theatrical experiences as a writer, director, and acting coach, alongside his work as a stage and film actor, becoming one of Egypt’s most notable storytellers.
His professional cinematic career began in 2003 with director Asmaa El Bakry’s film “Violence and Sarcasm”. He subsequently participated in several short films, including “Hawi” and “Hot Dry Summer”, before winning the Best Actor award at the 39th Cairo International Film Festival in 2018.
