(Photo: Sameh Megahed Facebook page)
Megahed succeeds actor and academic Ayman El-Shiwy, who had served as director of the historic theatre.
El-Shiwy recently took on a senior leadership role within the Ministry of Culture and now serves as head of the Theatre Sector, which oversees Egypt's state theatre institutions.
Following the announcement, El-Shiwy congratulated Megahed on social media and wished him success in leading one of the country's most prestigious theatrical institutions.
The appointment places Megahed at the helm of the National Theatre, one of Egypt's oldest and most influential cultural institutions. Established more than a century ago, the theatre has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's theatrical movement, hosting generations of leading playwrights, directors, and performers.
Megahed is widely regarded as a veteran figure in Egypt's theatre scene. He began his career as a child actor in the late 1970s and appeared in several television productions, including Al-Ayyam (The Days, 1979) and Ibn Taymiyyah (1985).
He also worked in cinema, participating in films such as Ala Bab El-Wazir (At the Minister's Door, 1982), Al-Hadaq Yefham (The Clever Understands, 1986), and Khalli Balak Min Aqlak (Watch Your Mind, 1985) starring Adel Emam and Sharihan.
Beyond acting, Megahed contributed to Arabic-language dubbing projects, lending his voice to animated series including Great Figures of the World and Majid and Woodgem.
He later shifted his focus toward theatre directing, building a reputation through several stage productions, among them Comedy of Sorrows (Comedia Al-Ahzan), which premiered in 2011.
His administrative credentials are equally notable. In 2018, Megahed was appointed director of Al-Ghad Theatre, one of the troupes affiliated with the State Theatre Organization, retaining the position through multiple renewals.
With his appointment to the National Theatre, Megahed takes charge of an institution that remains a cornerstone of Egypt's cultural life. Observers within the theatre community will be watching closely to see how his blend of artistic experience and managerial expertise shapes the next chapter of the venerable stage's history.
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