“It really, to me, shows how art can and sometimes should be at the same time the most political and most aesthetic of acts. […] I would add that I think what was most special was that so often [the actors] were smiling, there was joy, which is crucial, especially around here – Cairo, Gaza, Homs – where there is so little joy. That’s what made Egypt and Tunis so special during the revolution, anger was replaced by joy, including in the music.” Mark LeVine, Professor, Musician and Writer
The Freedom Bus crew has finalized its tour in Egypt, offering intensive workshops in Playback Theatre and performing stories from the Arab Spring. One performance took place in Tahrir Square, Cairo – the heart of the Egyptian revolution.
For The Freedom Theatre, this has been a unique opportunity to participate directly in the greater dialogue surrounding civil resistance, popular struggle and democratic reform in the region.
Martyrs, Prisoners and the Revolution
Audience members were invited to share their personal experiences during the Egyptian revolution. Stories relating to imprisonment, losing friends and the emotions of contradiction, sorrow, disappointment and hope were told by audience members and enacted by the Freedom Bus crew. Musicians from El-Warsha, Mohamed Ismail and Yaser El-Maghrabi, performed songs relating to the theme.
Workers, Strikes and the Revolution
The Freedom Bus ensemble performed stories from workers, labor movement organizers and others who took part in the Egyptian revolution. Veteran labor activist, Kamal Fayoumi shared a story describing the role of strikes in his hometown of Mahallah. (Mahallah is known as the heart of the labor movement in Egypt and is described by Fayoumi as the “mother of Tahrir”.)
Art, Resistance and the Revolution
Audience members shared their stories about the role of art as inspiration during and after the revolution. Ramy Essam, Arabian Knightz, El Warsha Troupe, MC Amin, Mark Levine and Palestine Street performed at this event, adding songs of freedom, peace and justice to the performance.
Stories from the Syrian Revolution
Performance in the Syria Revolution Tent, Tahrir Square. 200 people attended. Syrians shared their stories of suffering, rage, grief and hope. Egyptians shared their feelings of solidarity. Women and men came bursting with memories, emotions and stories. They sang, chanted, wept and watched as their experiences were transformed into the universal language of theatre and music.
Read more about the performance in Tahrir Square here
Watch the Freedom Bus video here