On 2 and 3 March, Forsan Al-Sharq (The Knights of the Orient) dance troupe staged its latest performance titled Al-Wali at the main hall of the Cairo Opera House. 

According to Al-Ahram's Nisf El-Donia magazine, the dance performance was directed and choreographed by Tarek Hassan and comprised two acts, revisiting Egypt between the years 1804-1849 under the rule of Muhammad Ali.

The performance aimed to translate the array of challenges Egyptians encountered during this period, and also portrayed their success in eventually countering these challenges and building modern Egypt.

Forsan Al-Sharq was established in 2009 on the initiative of Farouk Hosni, then-Minister of Culture, with Esmat Yehia as its first artistic director, then Walid Aouni.

The aim was to introduce Egyptian dance theatre performances that would revive gems of the popular heritage, competing with troupes such as the Lebanese Caracalla Dance Theatre.

Today, Forsan Al-Sharq operates under the joint supervision of the Cultural Development Fund and the Cairo Opera House.

(Photos: Bassam Al Zoghby)