Raghda El-Sayed
The vibrant city of Cairo is set to come alive with a kaleidoscope of artistic brilliance as the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF) gears up for its eleventh edition, scheduled from October 12th to November 5th. This year’s festival promises an exhilarating celebration of diversity, creativity, and the rich tapestry of Arabic performances, showcasing more than 30 music and theater performances, exhibitions, and workshops from fourteen countries.
A Celebration of Arab Arts Diversity
Ahmed Attar, the Founder, and Artistic Director of D-CAF, expressed his excitement about this year’s lineup. “This edition of D-CAF is a splendid celebration of the rich tapestry of Arabic performances. We have curated a remarkable lineup that spotlights the diversity and vibrancy of Arab arts, featuring groundbreaking shows that take part in the 8th edition of the Arab Arts Focus (AAF). These performances are true gems, unveiling their brilliance for the first time on stage, with some premiering for the very first time in the MENA region.”
Innovative Performances and International Collaboration
One of the festival’s highlights is the Swiss-Egyptian show “CLASH… Digital Resurrections,” a phenomenal blend of history and technology that brings historical women back to life using augmented reality. Additionally, the world premiere of “Al Sowan,” a brand-new performance by renowned French theater maker Pascal Rambert, is set to captivate the audience. D-CAF’s New Media and Visual Arts program will present cutting-edge works by artists from Pakistan and Afghanistan, exploring themes of identity and control.
Spotlight on Arab Women Poets
This year’s Arab Arts Focus (AAF) program will spotlight the voices of Arab women poets through the transnational “SHAEIRAT” project. The project will produce and stage bilingual Arab poetry performances globally, with three world premieres set to take place at D-CAF. These performances, along with the return of a beloved piece from a previous edition, reflect the diverse and empowering narratives of Arab women.
A Global Platform for Arab Arts
D-CAF’s impact transcends borders, with many past productions traveling the world and leaving a lasting impression on international audiences. Productions like “No Mercy” by Nasa 4 Nasa, “Dear Laila,” and “Losing It” have enchanted viewers in countries such as Tunisia, Switzerland, Italy, Hong Kong, and the UK. The festival’s Arab Arts Focus continues to propel Arabic performances towards global acclaim and recognition, reinforcing D-CAF’s position as a beacon of artistic brilliance.
Interactive Initiatives and Cultural Exchange
In a groundbreaking move, D-CAF has introduced the “Art Student Delegation Program,” offering art students a chance to attend all festival events for free. This initiative aims to foster new horizons, increase networking opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of experiences with festival artists. Ahmed El-Attar, the Festival’s Artistic Director, emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “This program is launched for the first time this year, focusing on students studying and interested in performing arts.”
A Cultural Extravaganza in Cairo
The D-CAF Festival, produced by Orient Productions and co-founded by Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, will unfold across thirteen different spaces in Cairo, including modern theaters, exhibition halls, versatile spaces, and open-air venues. From mesmerizing dance performances and theatrical masterpieces to innovative new media projects, the festival promises to stun, surprise, and delight, bringing the art world’s foremost trends and productions to the cultural heart of Cairo.
For more information and ticket details, visit the official D-CAF website and join the celebration of Arab arts and culture.
