Youth theaters seldom take part in top-level diplomatic visits in the Middle East, particularly one with a modern approach to women’s rights and Egyptian society's traditional respect for elders. But the cast of “Salem Nafsak” ("Turn Yourself In") found itself performing March 5 for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his guest of honor, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The unusual addition to the official visit owes to bilateral plans to enhance cultural cooperation and the recent statements of the crown prince on the need for cultural and artisitic development in the kingdom. His modernization program, Vision 2030, prioritizes culture and the arts, and he has announced that Saudi Arabia will establish its first opera house by 2022.

“Salem Nafsak,” directed by Khaled Galal, had earned positive reviews from writers like Youssef el-Qaeed, Ibrahim Abdel Mageed and Fatma Naout. “I think this may be the reason for the president to choose our performance,” Galal told Al-Monitor. “There is no greater appreciation and pride for the young actors.”

The actors are talented young actors and students of Galal at the Studio of the Artistic Creativity Center. Sisi said that he will facilitate their enrollment in the Egyptian National Academy for Youth Training and Rehabilitation established last August by a presidential decree.