The Egyptian National Theatre Festival has unveiled the intellectual program for its 19th edition, announcing a series of nine research sessions that will explore the evolving relationship between theatre and its audiences under the theme: “Theatre and the Audience: Does the Audience Go to the Theatre, or Does the Theatre Go to the Audience?”
The three-day program, scheduled to take place from 20 to 22 July 2026, will bring together prominent theatre scholars, critics, academics and practitioners from across Egypt. Organized by the festival’s Symposium Committee, the discussions aim to examine one of the most pressing issues facing contemporary theatre: how to reconnect with audiences in an era shaped by digital transformation, changing cultural habits and new forms of artistic engagement.
The program is structured around seven main themes. Participants will examine the historical and social evolution of Egyptian theatre audiences, the challenges of attracting new spectators, the influence of theatre criticism and media on public taste, and the distinctive characteristics of audiences for children’s theatre, puppet theatre, school and university productions, and alternative performance spaces.
Additional sessions will focus on the role of theatre festivals in cultivating sustainable audiences, innovative theatrical formats such as interactive and immersive theatre, and the impact of digital technologies on audience participation. The final discussions will address future cultural policies and practical strategies aimed at expanding theatre attendance and strengthening the role of theatre as a platform for education, creativity and public dialogue.
Alongside academic papers, the program will feature roundtable discussions and testimonies from theatre professionals, offering practical insights into successful audience development initiatives and innovative approaches to community engagement.
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