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Yehia El Fakharany’s King Lear Returns: A Legacy That Grows with Time

Egyptian National Theatre King Lear Yahia El Fakhrany Yahia El Fakhrany's King Lear
Yehia El Fakharany’s King Lear Returns: A Legacy That Grows with Time
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Cairo 360
Image via Google

When Shakespeare wrote King Lear, it’s unlikely that he could have imagined that more than 400 years later, a legendary Egyptian actor would bring the role to life like never before. Yehia El Fakharany has been keeping King Lear alive for many years, not just recently. In fact, this is the third iteration of the role performed by El Fakharany. Each one has something more than the time before, as Yehia El Fakharany grows deeper into the character.

 

How It All Started

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The first time El Fakharany stepped into the role of King Lear was in 2001. He spent two years preparing for it, and the result was the most iconic performance of his life. It was like something clicked once Yehia El Fakharany barged through the National Theatre doors carrying Riham Abd El Ghafour, Cordelia,  screaming in agony for the loss of his daughter. He portrayed the role as if Shakespeare had written it especially for him.

 

Fakhrany’s King Lear Going International

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Eighteen years later, in April of 2019, Yahia El Fakhrany graced the Marquee Theatre with King Lear for the second time in Egypt. The next milestone was that for the first time, King Lear travelled to Saudi Arabia. In this second iteration of the play, the theatrical season was longer, including performances in Jeddah and Riyadh. These performances were a major success, as was expected.

 

The Current Theatrical Season

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This masterpiece is currently being performed on the stage of The National Theatre in Al-Attaba. Directed by Shady Srour, the cast includes Sahar El-Sayegh, Abed Anani, and Tarek El-Desouky. Don’t miss this grand performance! Download the National Theatre app, “El Bet El Fany lel Masrah,” to book your ticket. Check the app regularly, as tickets sell out rapidly. You can also buy tickets directly from the theatre after 4 pm on weekdays. The shows run regularly from Thursday to Sunday.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime to see one of the greatest classics of all time performed by such a legendary actor. It will surely be an unforgettable experience that will enrich its audience in many ways.

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