Egypt Launches Sixth Phase of Touring Theater Project to Reach One Million Citizens

Egypt’s Ministers of Culture and Youth and Sports launched the sixth phase of the “Confrontation and Touring Theater” project at the Cairo Opera House, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanou said the new phase aims to reach over one million citizens across 130 villages in 20 governorates, through 175 cultural venues, with theater performances, book fairs, art and handicraft exhibitions, as well as training workshops to discover and support young talent.

He also announced the distribution of 10,000 free books for children under the “One Million Books” initiative.

The ceremony featured a documentary film titled “From the Heart of Egypt,” a performance by the Sharqia Folklore Troupe, and a musical operetta. During the event, the ministers honored several partners and supporters of the project, including Amal Gamal (Misr El-Kheir Foundation), Hend Galal (Decent Life Foundation), Nagwa Salah (Ministry of Youth and Sports), Naglaa Bakhoum, Chairperson of "I Am Egyptian" Foundation.

Mohamed El-Sharkawy, Project Director, said the sixth phase will run from September 2025 to June 2026, starting in Qena, then Asyut and the Red Sea, with eight stage productions, folk art performances, exhibitions, and training workshops.

Launched in 2018, the project is part of Egypt’s strategy to promote cultural justice, bringing theater and arts to rural communities nationwide.