Under the title “El Lela El Kebira”, NMEC organised a puppet show in the large indoor theatre. It involved a puppet-operetta of El Lela el Kebira and an exhibition for the work of the infamous puppeteer Nagy Shaker. The ceremony was well received by visitors to the museum who were keen to attend and participate with their children. The exhibition displayed a number of original character sketches of the operetta, also a collection of his other work outside the field of puppets. One of his significant work outside the realm of puppets is the interior design and costume design of the film “Shafika and Metwally”.
An art workshop was also held during the day, for children to draw and colour puppets from the operetta.
Dr Ahmed Ghoneim, the managing director of NMEC commented that it was a three-day event as a continuation of the different events that is held at NMEC, which is regarded as a cultural hub. He also thanked the Ministry of Culture for its participation and its collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to create an honourable event. He, also thanked to Prof. Dr. Omnia Yehia, vice dean of Fine Art Faculty Helwan University and Mr. Mohamed Nour, head of the puppet’s theatre, and his team that has awed the audience with their show.
Azza El Sayed, Head of Museum education, remarked that there were morning activities such as drawing and colouring workshops for children based on the characters of El Lela el Kebira to consolidate the idea of heritage and art together in children’s minds. This was offered to all schools, employees of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and their families, martyr’s families and special needs whether mental disabilities or hearing impaired.
At the closing of the event, all participants were recognised and awarded including the event and exhibition organisers, the puppet’s show team, and also Amira Said Mekway, the daughter of the infamous composer Said Mekawy, who composed the operetta. Worth noting, the exhibition is open until the end of July.
