For the 6th consecutive year, the Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children which took place between 4 and 14 March brought several performances to the Hanager Arts Centre, located at the Cairo Opera House grounds.

Organised by AFCA for Arts and Culture, an institution founded and managed by Mohamed El-Ghawy, Hakawy festival is the only independent event of this scale targeting a young audience. It is also the largest project managed by AFCA.

Throughout numerous performances, by the Egyptian and international troupes, the festival tells many stories and infuses the children’s imagination with valuable art.

From circus and clowns to percussion, classical theatrical settings to breaking the fourth wall, from puppets to games with imaginary shapes… International performers taking part in Hakawy have a unique power of grasping the young audience's attention, provoking laughter, enthusiasm, participation and inspiring long-lasting thoughts.

The festival kicked off with Aga Boom by the Theatre of Physical Comedy from the USA. As it continued, shows from Germany, Switzerland, France, and Australia were performed several times. It is worth adding that this was the first edition to host a performance from Australia.

The festival also included the artistic cooperation between Sweden and Egypt represented by the Awtar Quartet, which resulted in Jenane, a performance that fused music and storytelling. 

Paralleling the performances, workshops and an exhibition by the young Egyptian artist Khadija El-Dessouky were also held.

(Photos: Ati Metwaly)