Egypt’s Ministry of Culture has concluded the seventh phase of its “Confrontation and Touring” initiative in South Sinai and Gharbia governorates, delivering theatre performances, creative workshops and free books to border communities, villages and university students as part of a week-long programme marking the 53rd anniversary of the October 1973 War.
The initiative was implemented by the Theatre Sector, headed by Ayman El-Shiwi, through the Theatre Artistic House, led by actor Ehab Fahmy and managed by director Mohamed El-Sharqawy, in co-operation with the General Authority for Cultural Palaces and the Egyptian General Book Organisation.
Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, praised the strong public turnout, saying the initiative supports efforts to raise awareness, foster creativity and ensure wider access to cultural services across Egypt.
In South Sinai, activities were held at cultural palaces, schools and villages in Sharm El-Sheikh, El-Tor, Wadi Mandar and Abu Rudeis. The programme featured marionette theatre, artistic performances, creative workshops for children and young people, and free book outlets offering thousands of titles.
In Gharbia, events were hosted at the 23 July Cultural Palace in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, the Tanta Cultural Centre and Tefahna El-Azab village in Zefta. The programme attracted families, students and local residents to a range of theatrical and folk performances.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader efforts to expand cultural outreach and make artistic and literary services accessible to communities across the country.
The project will continue in Menoufia governorate next week. Its seventh phase began in Qena and will extend to various governorates and border areas, concluding in Halayeb and Shalateen in June 2027.
In co-operation with the presidential “Decent Life” initiative, the programme aims to reach around 250 villages.
It includes nine theatre productions, folk arts performances, exhibitions and the distribution of more than 35,000 books, alongside youth talent development programmes involving over 20 universities and hundreds of schools and care homes. It also supports traditional handicrafts through specialised workshops and exhibitions.
