The 11th edition will be named in honor of esteemed actress Soheir El-Morshidy, with star Elham Shahin serving as honorary president
The management of SITFY, chaired by director Mazen El-Gharabawy, has released the official poster for the eleventh edition. The upcoming edition is named in honor of esteemed actress Soheir El-Morshidy, in appreciation of her unique career and leading role in enriching the Egyptian and Arab theatrical movement.
The poster is designed by young artist Ali Abdulrahman. The design offers a visual interpretation that blends the spirit of theatre with the unique character of Sharm El-Sheikh. Additionally, it offers a symbolic image that goes beyond the conventional form of a theatre poster. Indeed, it sheds light on the festival’s philosophy and slogan which is associated with theatre, peace, and humanity.
The poster features a theatrical space framed by a red curtain that opens onto an extensive natural landscape of Sharm El-Sheikh, integrating sea, sky, and mountains. The stage transforms into an open window to the world, visually blending the theatrical space and the city’s natural setting. At the heart of the scene stands a female figure wearing a long white dress, seen from behind with her arms extended toward the sea and sky. This composition holds symbolic connotations of freedom, openness and peace, and adds a universal human quality without associating it with a specific personality or artist.
Furthermore, the design brings together theatrical elements with those of the setting. The curtain, stage, lighting, and proscenium opening intersect with the sea, mountains, sky, and birds, creating an image that seems to exist in a space between reality, theatre, and imagination. This reflects the theatre’s ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries and to open new avenues for communication among people, nations, and cultures.
The poster’s designer, artist Abdulrahman, said, “I was keen to approach the poster as more than just an image for a theatre festival. I wanted it to be a visual work that conveys an idea and reflects the festival’s identity and spirit.”
He added, “The central idea for me was to integrate the world of theatre with the city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Thus, the curtain was designed to open onto the sea and mountains, as if the stage had transformed into a window overlooking the world.” Abdulrahman noted that the figure at the heart of the scene does not represent a specific person; it symbolizes the artist and the human being. He explained that her stance, with her arms extended toward the sea, highlights ideas of freedom, peace, and openness. These values are deeply connected to the nature of the festival and its slogan; “Theatre for Humanity and Peace”.
Moreover, Abdulrahman stated, “I was keen that the entire scene would occupy a visual space that brings together reality and theatre. Hence, the stage appears as an open space for dialogue and connection between people, places, and different cultures. In my view, this is the core of SITFY’s experience”.
SITFY is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, headed by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and under the patronage and support of South Sinai Governor, Major General Dr. Ismail Kamal, as part of efforts to support and promote cultural and touristic events in the governorate. Star Elham Shahin serves as the eleventh edition’s honorary president. SITFY’s founder and chairman, director Mazen El-Gharabawy, continues to lead this ambitious cultural project, establishing it as an international event that celebrates youth theatre while fostering artistic exchange and intercultural dialogue. Dr. Engy El-Bestawy serves as SITFY’s managing director. She has contributed to establishing it as one of the leading international festivals dedicated to youth theatre. Producer Hisham Soliman chairs the festival’s higher committee, continuing his support for its organizational structure and future vision.
TunisianMonitorNews
