Egyptian Shadow Puppetry, Al-Aragoz at Yale University

This week marked the conclusion of a workshop and introduction to Egyptian heritage at Yale University, which included a series of lectures and workshops on the art of Egyptian shadow puppetry and Al-Aragoz.

 The lecture was delivered by Dr. Nabil Bahgat, Professor of Theater at Helwan University and the founder and director of the Wamda Troupe for Shadow Puppetry and Al-Aragoz performances. The lecture, titled “Shadow Puppetry: Essence and Technique – Art as a Window to Culture and Language,” was followed by a specialized workshop that explored the techniques of puppetry and the execution of shadow theater performances.

The lecture addressed shadow puppetry as one of the oldest forms of Arabic theater and one of the earliest attempts to produce images using light. It sought to answer questions about why Arabs were fascinated by this unique art form and how it has been passed down from generation to generation throughout the ages. It also examined the cultural influences that shaped the development of this art, linking it to other fields such as architecture and miniature painting, highlighting how these arts impacted the compositional style and principles of form in shadow puppetry scenes in ancient times.

Additionally, the lecture discussed the role of shadow puppetry as an informal means of documenting historical events, suggesting that this art reflects various aspects of the social and political conflicts of the time. It highlighted the texts of Ibn Daniyal as a significant model illustrating the struggle with authority during that era, and reviewed the play “Ilm wa Ta’adir” (Science and Morals), which presented a detailed portrayal of cultural and social conflicts within Arab society during the Crusades.

In the context of artistic development, the lecture presented the work of the Wamda Troupe as a model for the evolution of the shadow puppetry scene and its potential to offer depictions of different cities and cultures. This troupe has managed to introduce this art to over thirty countries through its diverse performances. The lecture also shed light on the methods of building a shadow theater and the changes it has undergone, from a fixed to a mobile stage, allowing it to adapt to various performance venues and spaces.

The event concluded with a practical workshop that began with an introduction to the Egyptian Al-Aragoz, its performances, and characters, followed by techniques of puppetry in shadow theater. Students participated in the workshop, which included training in puppetry methods and producing images through shadow. The workshop featured a theatrical performance in Arabic of the story “Juha and His Donkey,” aiming to connect shadow puppetry with Arab culture and introduce the audience to this authentic heritage.

Through this event, the lecture aimed to raise global awareness of the art of Egyptian shadow puppetry and Al-Aragoz, not only as theatrical art but also as a tool for understanding and documenting history and culture, and as a means of bringing audiences closer to the Arabic language and Egyptian cultural identity.