The Isis International Women's Theater Festival recently hosted a session titled "How Did We Break Through the Transparent Wall?" where women in theater shared their experiences and challenges in the industry. The session was part of the festival's intellectual axis and featured artists such as Mاعتزة عبد الصبور, تهانى سليم, ناتاشا جيلمور, جودى ويليامز, and المخرجة منار زين. The discussion was moderated by producer آية دوارة.
The session aimed to highlight the experiences of women in theater and open a dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that shape their creative paths. Producer آية دوارة initiated the discussion by sharing her personal experience as a female producer in the film industry, where she faced numerous obstacles but remained grateful for the opportunities that helped her grow. Critic ليليت فهمي also shared her insights, mentioning that her mother had fought against societal norms and laws that restricted women's rights.
Artist تهانى سليم shared her story of growing up in a Palestinian family in Damascus and facing rejection from her family when she chose to pursue a career in the arts. Despite the challenges, سليم persevered and eventually made a name for herself in the industry. Meanwhile, director منار زين discussed her own experiences growing up in a conservative family in Upper Egypt, where her father initially disapproved of her studying arts.
The artists also discussed the concept of the "transparent wall" that women face in the industry. Artist جودى ويليامز described it as a societal expectation that women should be used for entertainment purposes. On the other hand, artist معتزة عبد الصبور stated that she did not face family obstacles due to her artistic background but rather encountered preconceived judgments from others about her work in the arts.
The session also featured a second panel discussion with artists such as الدكتورة هنادى عبد الخالق, الفنانة آيات مجدي, and الدكتورة داليا همام. They discussed the impact of upbringing and social circumstances on shaping an artist's personality and career. Dr. همام shared her personal experience of overcoming obstacles and finding success through hard work and determination.
Artist آيات مجدي discussed her journey in the arts, highlighting the importance of support from key figures in her life. She also talked about balancing her personal and professional life, particularly as a mother. Dr. هنادى عبد الخالق emphasized the role of mentors and supporters in helping artists build confidence and overcome challenges.
The Isis International Women's Theater Festival provided a platform for women in theater to share their stories and experiences, highlighting the challenges they face and the ways in which they have overcome them. The festival aims to promote women's participation in the arts and provide opportunities for them to showcase their talents.
Key points
- Women in Egyptian theater face various obstacles, including societal expectations and professional challenges.
- The Isis International Women's Theater Festival provides a platform for women to share their experiences and promote their work.
- Support from mentors and peers plays a crucial role in helping women artists build confidence and overcome challenges.
