The fourth edition of the Isis International Women's Theater Festival recently featured a session titled "How We Broke Through the Transparent Wall?", where several female artists shared their experiences and challenges in the field of theater. The session was led by Dr. Rania Yahya, former director of the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome and dean of the Higher Institute of Art Criticism. The event was attended by Dr. Niveen Allouba, poet Kawthar Mustafa, director Abbira Ali, and writer Rasha Abdel Monem.
Dr. Niveen Allouba discussed her extensive artistic journey, expressing her appreciation for the festival's focus on women's experiences in the arts. She emphasized that having a festival dedicated to women's theater is a crucial step in highlighting the contributions of Egyptian female artists in various creative fields. Allouba's own artistic beginnings were rooted in a family that valued the arts, with her starting piano lessons at a young age before moving to opera.
Allouba explained that becoming a professional in opera requires years of training and study, as it is not solely dependent on having a beautiful voice. Rather, it demands technical skill, musical knowledge, and art historical understanding. She also discussed the concept of the "transparent wall" in her career, noting that while competition in the opera world can be challenging, it is even more difficult for women to secure leadership positions in artistic institutions.
The artist highlighted her focus on artistic practice and education, choosing to prioritize these aspects over administrative roles. This allowed her to maintain a connection to theater and develop new generations of artists. Allouba also shared significant milestones in her career, including her 30-year tenure as an opera singer at the Egyptian Opera House and her founding of the "Fabrika" theater group in 2013.
The "Fabrika" group aims to provide opportunities for young talent to practice theater outside of academic settings, as opportunities for participation in theatrical performances can be limited. However, Allouba noted that sustaining independent theatrical experiments poses significant challenges, including a lack of long-term support and high production costs.
Despite these challenges, the group strives to produce translated and adapted theatrical works while maintaining an Egyptian essence. Allouba emphasized that participating in major theatrical events allows these experiments to reach a broader audience. Her experiences demonstrate the importance of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Dr. Niveen Allouba stressed that art requires in-depth thought and study, and that a beautiful voice or appearance is not enough to create a true artist. She emphasized that creativity and awareness are essential for ensuring continuity in the arts. The festival provided a platform for Allouba and other female artists to share their experiences and inspire future generations.
Key points
- Dr. Niveen Allouba emphasizes the need for study and awareness in the arts.
- The artist highlights the challenges faced by women in securing leadership positions in artistic institutions.
- Allouba stresses the importance of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity in the arts.
