The classic tragedy of King Lear, written by William Shakespeare, continues to captivate audiences in Cairo. Egyptian actor Yehia El-Fakharany has made the role of King Lear his own over the past two decades. His latest production of King Lear is currently running at the National Theatre in Attaba, offering Cairo audiences a chance to experience one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies live on stage. The production, directed by Shady Sorour, features El-Fakharany in the title role alongside a cast that includes Amal Abdallah, Eman Raga, and Lekaa Ali as King Lear's daughters.
The current production of King Lear is not El-Fakharany's first time playing the role. He first portrayed Lear in 2001, directed by Ahmed Abdelhalim, at Egypt's National Theatre in Attaba. It has now been 25 years since El-Fakharany first took on the role of King Lear. The production has evolved considerably since its beginnings, including changes in its directing and cast, but El-Fakharany has remained at its center. After 2001, El-Fakharany brought the play back in 2019, then again in July 2025, which is the production that is currently ongoing.
The story of King Lear explores themes that feel surprisingly familiar, such as power, greed, betrayal, family, pride, and the consequences of making decisions without seeing the people around you for who they truly are. At its heart, Shakespeare's tragedy follows King Lear, an aging ruler who decides to divide his wealth and kingdom among his three daughters. He asks each daughter to express how much she loves him. While his two older daughters flatter him, his youngest daughter refuses to play along.
The production of King Lear has achieved significant success, celebrating its 200th performance in August 2026, with reported box-office revenues exceeding EGP 6 million (USD 118,000). This is a strong indication of the audience interest surrounding the production. The script was translated by Fatma Moussa, and the National Theatre describes the production as a contemporary artistic presentation of Shakespeare's enduring text.
What makes the current production particularly striking is that, at his present age, El-Fakharany is now much closer in age to the character he plays, bringing a different weight and perspective to Lear's story. The play is currently scheduled at the National Theatre, in Attaba, every week, from Thursday to Sunday at 9 p.m. Tickets are available through the theatre's box office, which opens from 4 p.m. Unfortunately, tickets cannot be purchased online at the moment.
The Cairo theatre experience offers a unique opportunity to see a major Egyptian actor tackle an enduring theatrical classic, surrounded by a full ensemble and a live audience. The National Theatre is a historic Cairo theatre venue, making it a fitting place to watch King Lear. Whether you already know the tragedy or are encountering Shakespeare for the first time, the production offers a chance to experience one of Egypt's most established actors take on one of theatre's most demanding classical roles.
Tickets for the play are relatively accessible, priced at EGP 60 (USD 1.18), EGP 80 (USD 1.57), and EGP 110 (USD 2.17). The theatre has previously stated that booking is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving earlier is the safer option if you are planning to attend a popular night. Two important tips to keep in mind are that the theatre has warned that booking stops when the performance begins, and audiences are not permitted to enter after the curtains are open.
Key points
- The production of King Lear has achieved significant success, celebrating its 200th performance in August 2026.
- The play explores themes that feel surprisingly familiar, such as power, greed, betrayal, family, pride, and the consequences of making decisions without seeing the people around you for who they truly are.
- Tickets for the play are relatively accessible, priced at EGP 60 (USD 1.18), EGP 80 (USD 1.57), and EGP 110 (USD 2.17).
