An absence that lasted for more than 30 years, experienced by the Samer Theater, which is considered the only theater that cares about folklore in Egypt, far from what it was established for, which is the revival of theatrical heritage, before it finally returned to work, within the plan of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, to develop the theater, and exploit all its outlets. To achieve cultural justice.
The Samer Theater has been closed since 1992, as a result of damage caused by the earthquake that struck Egypt at that time, and the existence of some missteps that led to its non-return to work.
Al-Samer Theater was established in 1970, and a year later it was followed by the establishment of its own theatrical troupe, which presented many heritage novels, the most prominent of which were “Hassan and Naima, Shafiqa and Metwally, Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliya” and others, until a major fire occurred in the theater in 1975, to be renovated after that, as The late Saad Eddin Wahba made a great effort to restore and build the theater several months after its fire, to be inaugurated by the late President Anwar Sadat in 1978.
The theater continued its activities, at that time, before it was demolished after the 1992 earthquake during the play “The Sultan of His Time”, and it remained neglected until the foundation stone for its development was laid in 2021.
Distinguished architecture
With the history and heritage celebrated by Al-Samer Theater, it had a different architectural and artistic character that increased its value for fans of the Seventh Art. Which was recently inaugurated, covering the entire stage, raising the efficiency of the stage, and equipping it with the latest sound and lighting devices, in addition to the civil protection system according to the latest approved codes.
Theatrical geniuses
With some differences between the Samer Theater in its history and development, however, according to critics, its return a few days ago remains a great gain for the Arab theater, with the talents and theatrical brilliance it produced for many stars. City lights concerts were also held on it, and many television programs used it as a substitute for the studio. According to the head of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, Amr Al-Basiouni, the importance of the Samer Theater is concentrated in its association with the conscience of the great theater artists, as the geniuses of the theater graduated from it, whether in acting or theatrical directing, as it is the original home of the theater in Egypt.
Al-Basiouni added, in press statements, that there is a specialized program for traditional and popular performances to be presented to the public through theatrical groups of various regions.