Cairo Opera House to reopen in July

Cairo Opera House director Magdy Saber said the curated concerts would take place at the centre’s newly constructed Open Theatre. The theatre can accommodate approximately 1 000 people while adhering to a social distancing regulations. The venue will at first hold eight concerts a month without an audience before inviting the public when restrictions on public gatherings are lifted.

Some of the confirmed acts for the July programme include Mostafa Hagag, Mohammad Hamaki, Medhat Saleh, Ali al-Haggar, Hisham Abbas, and Dina El-Wedidi. Bands that have been selected include Massar Egbari, West el-Balad, Black Theama, and marimba player Nessma Abdelaziz.

Recently, Egyptian Minister of Culture and former chairperson of the Cairo Opera House, Inas Abdel Dayem, announced that all cultural venues would resume activities in July at 25% capacity. She also released a timetable of the opening dates.

Sixteen libraries in 10 governorates, including 12 libraries affiliated with the General Egyptian Book Organisation, will open on 5 July.  The Supreme Council of Culture will resume its activities on 6 July by holding intellectual, literary and scientific seminars, and lectures. A similar event will take place on 12 July.

Additionally, national museums in the fine arts sector will reopen on 7 July. On the same day, work will resume at the Umm Kulthum Museum in El-Manasterly Palace and at the permanent exhibition in Prince Taz Palace.

The Grand Fountain Theatre, the Open Theater and the Sayed Darwish Theatre will open their doors on 10 July. Classes at talent development centres will begin individual training on the same date. 

Lastly, the National Theatre, Talea Theater, Al-Ghad Theater, Youth Theater, Opera Malek, Floating Theater, Puppet Theater, Bairam el-Tunsi Theater, Metropol Theater, and the Children's National Theater will all reopen on 17 July.