The Egyptian National Theatre’s comedy hit 'Al-Motafael' (The Optimist) will resume its successful run during the second day of the Muslim Eid Al-Adha holiday.

The play is based on Candide, written by French writer Voltaire in the 1750s. It is directed and adapted for theatre by Islam Imam, and was the national theatre’s most successful play last season.

Al-Motafael stars comedian Sameh Hussein, a TV and cinema star who started his acting career in theatre and whose debut was in 2002's Teheb Tshoof Ma'sah. He has appeared in almost 150 theatre plays in various private and state theatres.

In Al-Motafael, the 44-year-old actor shares the stage with Sahar El-Saigh, Yusuf Ismael, Ezzat Zein, Sawsan Rabie, Ayat Magdy, Tamer El-Kashef, Amgad El-Haggar, Zakaria Marouf and singer Mostafa Sami, in addition to a group of national theatre youngsters.

The music of the show is composed by Hisham Gabr with poems and lyrics written by Tarek Ali.

Egypt resumed its public cultural activities two weeks ago as part of phase one of the country's cautious reopening following the COVID-19 lockdown, with all events held under strict measures that include social distancing, obligatory facemasks, and sanitising.

Programme:
Starting Saturday 1 August, at 8pm
National Theater [Al-Masrah Al-Qawmy], Elatabla  

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