By Dr Nermin Alhouti
During my time in the land of Mahrousa (Egypt), I was eager to attend the play Hajah Takhawif, having read numerous reviews from intellectuals and critics in the theater world. Their praise heightened my anticipation to experience the show firsthand. I was fortunate enough to receive a kind invitation from my colleague and brother, the director of the play, "Maestro” Khaled Galal, to attend. I went to enjoy over two hours of the play Hajah Takhawif, and it did not disappoint.
Hajah Takhawif is a production with over fifty actors, each performing their roles with excellence. Their dedication and talent truly impressed me, and I find myself tipping my hat to them for their outstanding performances. The show weaves together a variety of life stories, each "sketch” presenting a dramatic plot that explores significant human suffering. These narratives reflect many philosophical ideas, prompting a series of questions in the viewer’s mind. Why do we fear? Is fear rooted in what we perceive, or is it a reflection of the darker impulses that lie within us? These questions linger as the play takes the audience through an emotional "cleansing” process.
The production was visually and intellectually illuminating, brimming with excellent theatrical elements. However, one particular aspect of the show stood out to me: the costumes, designed by Mohamed Nadim and Heba Kamel. What caught my attention was the simplicity and theatrical significance of the costumes. Few costume designers manage to crystallize the idea of a play so effectively, but Nadim and Kamel succeeded. Their thoughtful choice of fabrics, colors, and the ease of costume changes – particularly given the multiple stories within the show – were vital in conveying the play’s thematic depth. Chapeau to them.
In conclusion, the need to confront fear is, in itself, a purifying experience. It allows the viewer to gain the courage to face their mistakes and, ultimately, to remove the word "fear” from their personal lexicon. Through every graduation of the Technical Creativity Center, new stars and talents are born in every aspect of theater. Under the guidance of Maestro Khaled Galal, this center remains a nucleus of theater and the arts, nurturing creativity for over twenty years.