Culture and Art
Ashraf Abdel Baqi returns with the play "The Shamashirgi Family" at the Rihani Theater
Actor Ashraf Abdel Baqi returns to the stage with the play "The Shamashirgi Family," alongside stars of Masrah Masr (Egypt's Theater) Hamdi El-Merghani and Abram Samir. Learn more about the show, its dates, and its significance.
A strong comeback for Egyptian theater
The renowned Egyptian actor Ashraf Abdel Baqi, a leading figure in contemporary Egyptian theater, has announced his highly anticipated return to the stage with a new play titled "The Shamashirgi Family." This production marks the revival of the "Soksieh" troupe, a move eagerly awaited by cultural circles and audiences across Egypt and the Arab world. The play will be performed at the historic Naguib El Rihani Theater in downtown Cairo, lending the event significant symbolic and cultural weight.
Show details and launch date
Abdel Baqi revealed via his official Instagram account that the first performance of the play "The Shamashirji Family" will be on Thursday, January 29th. He indicated that tickets are now available for booking, urging fans of comedy theater to quickly secure their seats to witness this new artistic experience, which unfolds within an engaging social comedy framework, addressing family issues in a satirical and innovative style.
Historical background: Ashraf Abdel Baqi and the revitalization of theater
This production cannot be discussed without acknowledging Ashraf Abdel Baqi's pivotal role in reviving Egyptian theater over the past decade. His pioneering experience with "Masrah Masr" (Egypt Theater) was not merely a series of successful shows, but a complete artistic phenomenon that brought audiences back to theaters and spawned a new generation of comedy stars who dominate the artistic scene today. "A'elat El Shamashirgi" (The Shamashirgi Family) continues this approach, reuniting Abdel Baqi with several of his most prominent alumni, including stars Hamdi El Merghani and Abram Samir, alongside a selection of promising young talents. The play is written by Hossam Sayed Abdel Aati, directed by Ashraf Abdel Baqi, and features set design by Dr. Mahmoud Sami.
The importance and expected impact of the work
This production holds immense local significance, representing a major boost to the theatrical movement in Egypt and reinforcing the status of comedy as an art form capable of attracting diverse segments of society. Furthermore, the choice of the Naguib El-Rihani Theatre, named after one of the giants of comedy in Egyptian history, serves as a tribute to this great artistic legacy and connects the new generation with its history. Regionally, the show is expected to garner widespread attention in Arab countries, where Ashraf Abdel Baqi and the stars of "Masrah Masr" enjoy immense popularity, potentially paving the way for successful Arab tours that will strengthen cultural and artistic ties between Egypt and its Arab neighbors.
Ashraf Abdel Baqi's latest artistic activities
In addition to his theatrical preparations, Ashraf Abdel Baqi has recently been very active in television dramas, starring in the series "Weld Bent Shayeb" alongside Laila Ahmed Zaher, Nabil Eissa, and Entisar, directed by his daughter, Zeina Ashraf Abdel Baqi. Separately, Abdel Baqi recently declined a role in the series "Fakhr El Delta," scheduled to air during Ramadan 2026, which boasts a star-studded cast.
Culture and Art
Ahmed Saad praises the Saudi audience and releases two new songs
Artist Ahmed Saad expresses his love for Saudi Arabia after his concert in Riyadh Season, and releases the songs 'Let's Stay Here' and 'Sheftchi', continuing his artistic successes in the region.
Egyptian artist Ahmed Saad expressed his deep gratitude and affection for the Saudi audience, emphasizing that they are among his most supportive fans outside of Egypt. This heartfelt statement came during his appearance on the program "Arab Wood," following the remarkable success of his recent concert as part of Riyadh Season. He sincerely said, "Saudi Arabia holds a special place in my heart," reflecting the strong bond he shares with his fans in the Kingdom.
Cultural and historical context: Egyptian art at the heart of Saudi Arabia
Saad's statements cannot be separated from the broader context of the cultural transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia, which fall under the ambitious Vision 2030. Riyadh Season has become a global platform attracting leading artists from across the Arab world and beyond, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for entertainment and culture. The participation of Egyptian artists of Ahmed Saad's stature deepens the historical artistic ties between the two countries, as Egyptian art, with its music and cinema, has always been an integral part of the cultural consciousness in the Arabian Gulf. This significant presence of Egyptian artists today not only represents a continuation of this legacy but also embodies a new era of flourishing artistic collaboration.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
The success of concerts by Ahmed Saad and other stars in Saudi Arabia transcends mere entertainment; it contributes to strengthening the soft power of both countries and creates a bridge for direct cultural exchange between artists and their audiences. Locally, these events satisfy the Saudi public's thirst for world-class entertainment options right on their own soil. Regionally, these concerts solidify Riyadh's position as a capital of Arab art, attracting tourists and enthusiasts from neighboring countries, which positively impacts the economy and tourism and enhances Arab cultural exchange.
New artistic releases coinciding with success
Alongside his busy concert schedule, Ahmed Saad continues to strengthen his presence on the music scene with new releases. He recently released his new song "Khalina Hena" (Let's Stay Here), the official song of the El Gouna Film Festival, on his YouTube channel and various music platforms. He promoted it on his Instagram account, writing: "Let's stay here... Let's stay here... Let's all celebrate together.".
In recent days, he also released the song "Sheftshi," the second single from his new album "Bestahbal." The song features lyrics by Menna El-Qai'i, music by Ahmed Tarek Yehia, and musical arrangement by Ahmed Tarek Yehia, Gawdat, and Namrawi. Hani Mahrous handled the mixing, and Mazen Murad was responsible for the mastering. These consecutive releases reflect Saad's tireless artistic activity, as he capitalizes on his popular success to offer diverse works that cater to the tastes of his fans everywhere.
Culture and Art
The Diary of a Married Man series: Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj returns this Ramadan
Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj returns in Ramadan with the series “Diary of a Married Man,” the second part of “A Spinster Man,” showcasing the challenges of married life and family housing in a comedic format.
A highly anticipated return this Ramadan season
Comedian Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj returns to television screens this Ramadan season with the second installment of his hit series, "Diary of a Single Man." The new season, titled "Diary of a Married Man," continues the comedic journey of his beloved character, Abdullah, taking him from the world of bachelorhood and the challenges of finding a life partner to the daily demands of married life.
Background to success: From "spinster" to "married man"
The first season of "Diary of a Single Man" achieved remarkable popular success last Ramadan, offering a fresh and different perspective on marriage from a man's point of view. This broke the stereotypical image often portrayed in Gulf dramas, which typically focus on women in this context. This success contributed to building a large fan base eagerly anticipating Abdullah's fate after he left bachelorhood, thus raising expectations for the second season.
New challenges in the world of married couples
In "Diary of a Married Man," the narrative takes a completely new turn. Abdullah marries Arwa (Aida Al-Qasai), but finds himself obliged to live with her in his family home, alongside his parents. From here, comedic situations unfold, drawing their details from everyday life in Gulf and Arab society. The series satirically addresses sensitive topics close to the audience's heart, such as the challenges of family living, the financial pressures faced by newlyweds, the generation gap, the boundaries of privacy, and the attempt to balance the demands of a wife, family, and friends.
The importance and social impact of work
The work's significance lies in its ability to shed light on real social issues that concern a wide segment of young people in the region. The issue of living with parents after marriage remains a reality for many, with the challenges this entails regarding independence. The series presents these challenges within a light comedic framework, making it more accessible and impactful, and opening the door to societal discussion about these phenomena. The work also reflects the development of the Saudi drama industry, which has become bolder in addressing its social realities with a contemporary artistic style that resonates with the concerns of the younger generation.
Team and Hero's Vision
The series stars Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj alongside a distinguished cast including Aida Al-Qasai, Fatima Al-Sharif, Saeed Saleh, Reem Safia, Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Fatoun Al-Jarallah, Hakim Jumaa, Faisal Al-Dukhi, and Nawaf Al-Shubaili, under the direction of Abdulrahman Al-Salman. Al-Hajjaj described the transformation in Abdullah's character as a true test of responsibility, stating in media interviews: "Responsibilities grow, and with them, demands increase. A person changes after marriage because they go through a phase of psychological and intellectual growth, and this is what we will witness in Abdullah's new journey." He added that the secret to the first season's success lay in "the audience's connection with the story and characters," emphasizing that the new season will present deeper dramatic threads as Abdullah's world expands to include his wife's family, adding new dimensions and challenges to the narrative.
Culture and Art
The film "Take Care of Yourself" starring Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz has been postponed until the summer
Director Moataz El-Touny announced the postponement of filming the movie “Take Care of Yourself” which brings together stars Ahmed El-Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz due to her being busy with a Ramadan series.
A postponement is expected in the world of Egyptian cinema
Prominent Egyptian director Moataz El-Touny announced the postponement of filming the remaining scenes of his new movie, "Take Care of Yourself," which marks the long-awaited reunion of box-office stars Ahmed El-Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz. Filming has been postponed until next March, which will consequently push the film's release date from Eid al-Fitr to the summer season.
Yasmine Abdel Aziz is busy with the Ramadan drama marathon
The main reason for this postponement is the professional commitments of star Yasmine Abdel Aziz, who is currently participating in the Ramadan drama season by filming her series "We Forget What Was." The Ramadan season in Egypt and the Arab world is considered the peak period for television production, with major stars dedicating themselves to participating in dramas that achieve record viewership. This makes it difficult to coordinate filming schedules for both movies and series simultaneously. The filmmakers preferred to give the lead actress ample time to focus on her drama project to ensure the quality of both.
The importance of the return of the duo El Sakka and Abdel Aziz
This film holds special significance for Egyptian and Arab audiences, as it reunites Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz after a long hiatus from working together. The two stars have previously formed a successful duo, producing memorable works that remain etched in viewers' memories, thus raising expectations for this new project, which relies heavily on their strong on-screen chemistry. This collaboration is a significant artistic event in itself and is expected to draw a wide audience of fans to theaters.
Strategic shift towards the summer season
Although the postponement may seem like disappointing news to eager audiences, moving the release date to the summer season could be a wise strategic move. The summer film season is one of the most important and longest commercial seasons, giving the film a greater chance to generate substantial revenue, away from the fierce competition typically seen during the Eid al-Fitr season, which is saturated with numerous strong films. This postponement gives the film more breathing room at the box office and ensures a sufficient promotional and marketing campaign before its release.
Film crew
The film "Take Care of Yourself" boasts a stellar cast alongside Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz, including the renowned actress Laila Elwi, Mohamed Radwan, and Mostafa Abou Serie, in addition to numerous guest stars and international actors, promising a rich and diverse cinematic experience. Written by Sherif El Leithy and directed by Moataz El Touny, known for his distinctive comedic touch in many of his successful works, the film suggests a comedic action style.
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