Cairo is hosting the events of the fifth session of the Arab Forum for Puppetry, Doll Arts, and Related Arts, organized in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, from January 21 to 23, 2026, with broad Arab participation, following the conclusion of the sixteenth session of the Arab Theatre Festival.
The Forum is considered a specialized artistic and intellectual platform concerned with puppetry and doll arts as one of the oldest forms of human expression and one of the most capable of renewal and addressing emotions. It brings together artists, researchers, and practitioners from different generations and experiences in an open space for experimentation, exchange of expertise, and rediscovery of this art in a contemporary context.
The Forum’s program includes Egyptian, Arab, and international puppet shows directed at children and adults, alongside storytelling and music performances. It also features eight applied intellectual sessions titled “The Secret of the Craft,” during which puppeteers reveal their experiences and professional secrets, in addition to a specialized symposium on preserving the art of the “Aragouz” as one of the symbols of Egyptian folk heritage.
Honoring Three Puppeteers from the Arab World
The Forum will also witness the organization of the third Doll and Puppet Exhibition in the Adam Henein Hall at the Hanager Theatre from January 21 to 26, 2026, presenting the public with diverse models of dolls and puppets and the methods of their design and animation.
In the context of celebrating the pioneers of this art, the fifth session of the Forum will honor three of the most prominent puppeteers in the Arab world, in appreciation of their artistic careers and their contributions to the development and dissemination of puppetry arts regionally and internationally.
The organizers of the Forum confirm that this session seeks to establish the presence of puppetry and doll arts as a living art capable of expressing human and societal issues, and addressing collective consciousness with a language that is both simple and profound, where wonder meets beauty, and theatre remains a cultural and human message that transcends generations.
Cairo
Cairo is the sprawling capital of Egypt, founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty and situated near the ancient pyramids of Giza. It has long been a major political and cultural center of the Arab and Islamic world, historically known for landmarks like Al-Azhar University and the historic district of Islamic Cairo.
Egyptian Ministry of Culture
The Egyptian Ministry of Culture is a government body established in 1958, responsible for preserving and promoting Egypt’s vast cultural heritage and contemporary arts. It oversees numerous institutions, including museums, libraries, and archaeological sites, playing a central role in managing the country’s historical legacy and cultural policy.
Arab Theatre Festival
The Arab Theatre Festival is a major cultural event that began in 1999, organized by the Arab Theatre Institute to showcase contemporary theatrical productions from across the Arab world. It serves as a significant platform for artistic exchange, dialogue, and highlighting the diversity and innovation within Arab theatre.
Aragouz
Aragouz is a traditional form of puppetry and performance art in Egypt, featuring a single puppeteer who manipulates a glove puppet, often representing a comedic or satirical character. Its history dates back centuries, with roots in popular street theatre where it served as a form of social commentary and entertainment for the public. The art form is recognized as an important part of Egypt’s intangible cultural heritage.
Adam Henein Hall
Adam Henein Hall is an art museum and cultural center located in the Al-Harraniya district of Giza, Egypt, dedicated to the renowned Egyptian sculptor Adam Henein. It was inaugurated in 2014 to house a permanent collection of Henein’s sculptures, paintings, and drawings, celebrating his modern artistic legacy rooted in ancient Egyptian themes and forms. The hall itself is a modern architectural space designed to provide a serene environment for viewing his work and hosting cultural events.
Hanager Theatre
The Hanager Theatre is an open-air performance venue located within the grounds of the Cairo Opera House in Egypt. It was originally established in 1984 and is notable for being constructed from the repurposed steel hangar of a former military airfield, which gives the theatre its name (from “Hangar”). It has since become a prominent cultural hub for hosting a wide variety of theatrical, musical, and artistic events.
