Dr. Dalia Basiouny, Assistant Professor of Theatre in the English Department, addressed an excited crowd of professors and students on the afternoon of Wednesday Nov 25. The topic she visited upon revolved around art and literature in contemporary Egypt with special focus on post revolutionary theatre in Egypt. Dr. Basiouny reflected on the pressure exerted on the Egyptian people prior the 2011 revolution as a formulating power of creativity capable of daring and changing the status quo. An explosion of expression could be easily seen in the graffiti that adorned walls of Egyptian streets, namely the famous Mohamed Mahmoud carnival of pictures that displayed an ongoing conversation between artists who dared challenge the limits of thinking prevalent then.
Dr. Basiouny moved quickly to include the experience in Egyptian theatre vis- a vis the Aristotelian concept of catharsis and purgation which in fact stands as an obstruction in the way to creating a revolutionary theatre since by virtue of identification and catharsis that audiences experience a sense of release that culminates in non-action or reinstatement of the status quo. The brand of peace achieved ran counter to a spirit of resolve that should help transform realities rather than accepting what is.
Dr. Basiouny discussed the role of documentary theatre during the revolution that acted like a touch stone to the realities of the revolution.
The talk was followed by a question and answer session in which both professors and students participated. The session came to a close as Dr. Salalh Eldin Khedr, Dean of the faculty and Dr. Sally Hanna, Associate Dean offered her October 6 University plaque in recognition of her work.