Literature Night 2024 Brings European Contemporary Literature to Downtown Cairo

On November 20, 2024, Cairo’s vibrant Downtown will host the third edition of “Literature Night,” an international celebration of contemporary European literature. Organized by the Czech Centres since 2006, this global event will feature public readings at three iconic Downtown venues, bringing together literature enthusiasts, readers, and cultural ambassadors to experience works from acclaimed European authors, all presented in Arabic for an Egyptian audience.

This year’s event is organized by the Czech Centres and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo, in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Instituto Cervantes, Sefsafa Publishing House, and NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad). Partnering sponsors Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment and Access Art Space also lend their support to the event, highlighting Cairo’s growing role in the regional arts scene.

Literature Night in Cairo aims to foster a deeper appreciation for European literature by spotlighting a selection of modern works and emphasizing the value of translation. The event underscores the importance of multilingualism, allowing Egyptian audiences to access world literature and bringing global literary voices to local readers. Not only will attendees experience readings of European texts in Arabic, but translations into other languages will also be available, making the event accessible to a diverse audience.

Set in the heart of Cairo, Literature Night will take place across three unique Downtown venues, with simultaneous readings scheduled at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM. The lineup includes three European novels, each performed by an Egyptian artist at a different location:

The Warehouse (5 Hussein Basha Al Meamari Street, off Mahmoud Bassiouny): Salma Desouky will read from A Contribution to the History of Joy by Czech author Radka Denemarková.

The Factory (3 Hussein Basha Al Meamari Street, off Mahmoud Bassiouny): Poet Nesma Abdel Aziz will present an excerpt from Love by Norwegian author Hanne Ørstavik.

Access Art Space (10 Al-Nabarawi Street, off Champollion, 1st floor): Actress Naglaa Younes will read from La Forastera by Spanish author Olga Merino.

Each reading will be held in Arabic, with the venues offering attendees a chance to experience hidden gems within Cairo’s Downtown and immerse themselves in a blend of culture, history, and art.