Umm Kulthum returns to the Egyptian stage
Egyptians are flocking in droves to puppet shows in Cairo that re-enact concerts by the late legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, complete with a full band.
CAIRO — In the 1960s and 1970s, famous Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum performed her concerts on the first Thursday of each month.
The songs and tunes of this late legendary singer have returned to theater in the Zamalek district, west of Cairo, in a show performed by puppets mimicking Kulthum and her renowned complete band. These puppet shows, which target a new generation of listeners, aim to revive the ambiance of Tarab Arabic music, which is music that evokes powerful emotions from its listeners.
Sawy Culture Wheel is a cultural online platform run by Egypt’s former Minister of Culture Mohamed El Sawy, which launched in 2006 its own puppet theater known as El Sakia Puppet Theatre.
In 2007, the El Sakia Puppet Theatre began “Umm Kulthum Returns Back,” which revives the legacy of Kulthum, who passed away in 1975, and brings her music to her fans as well as to the young generations.
