Scenography of Musical Performative Shows in Modern Egyptian Theatre Conference

October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) Hosts the Annual Conference of the Cinema and Theatre Department Titled “Scenography of Musical Performative Shows in Modern Egyptian Theatre”

The Faculty of Arts and Design at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) organized its annual conference for the Cinema and Theatre Department, titled “Scenography of Musical Performative Shows in Modern Egyptian Theatre,” held at the university’s SSB Cinema Hall from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The conference honored the renowned artist Walid Aouni, Artistic Director and Scenographer of the Egyptian Modern Dance Theatre Company affiliated with the Cairo Opera House, who is considered a pioneer in the field of modern theatrical dance and scenography in the Arab world. Artist Walid Aouni is also the first to introduce the art of modern theatrical dance to the Egyptian cultural scene, having founded the first modern theatrical dance company in Egypt and the Arab world in 1993, through which he presented his creative works distinguished by a modern visual and physical language that embodies our Egyptian and Arab identity while expressing our reality with a global spirit.

Aouni, who worked for many years as a set designer with the world-renowned choreographer Maurice Béjart, delivered a specialized lecture on his creative ideas in designing sets, decorations, and lighting for performative shows, with a focus on integrating theatrical formative elements within the context of modern Egyptian theatre.

The conference witnessed a lively interaction between the students and the artist Awni, as they discussed his outstanding works and their impact on the development of the performing arts. The event was attended by Professor Dr. Tariq Saleh, Dean of the College, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, Head of the Department, along with a group of art critics, visual artists, faculty members, and support staff, which gave the event a distinguished academic and professional character.

This conference aligns with the efforts of the Faculty of Arts and Design at MSA University to connect students with the job market by preparing them for fields in theatrical and cinematic set design and production, while fostering their intellectual and creative skills. Students in the department are trained to become the future designers in this specialization, developing their creative abilities through analyzing, designing, and embodying literary texts into integrated visual visions for cinematic and theatrical productions. Such scholarly events contribute to enhancing their innovative capabilities and adaptability to professional challenges, qualifying them to be creative leaders in the design and production of performing arts both locally and internationally.

The conference organizers expressed their pride in hosting an artistic figure of Walid Aouni’s stature, affirming that such events reflect the university’s commitment to supporting academic education grounded in practical experience and creativity.