Handcrafted Model of the Khedivial Opera House Gifted to the Egyptian National Theatre

In a heartfelt tribute to Egypt’s cultural heritage, Dr. Ahmed Hassan presented a unique handcrafted model of the historic Khedivial Opera House, meticulously made from matchsticks, to the Egyptian National Theatre. This artistic gift honors the theatre’s pioneering role in enriching Egypt’s artistic and cultural life.

The beautifully detailed model was unveiled in the grand foyer of the National Theatre during the press conference for the much-anticipated play “King Lear,” starring the legendary Yehia El-Fakharany and directed by Shadi Sarour. The event was held under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture and the Artistic Theatre House, led by Hesham Atwa.

Attending the special unveiling were Dr. Yehia El-Fakharany, Dr. Ayman El-Shiwy, Director of the National Theatre, and Dr. Ahmed Hassan, the artist behind this labor of love. The presence of El-Fakharany, one of Egypt’s most iconic theatre figures, added a special touch to the occasion, as he shared heartfelt reflections on his deep connection to the National Theatre, tracing back to his early days on its stage.

The conference also announced the official opening of “King Lear” on July 8, with performances scheduled every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event drew an impressive audience of artists, journalists, and theatre lovers, all gathered to celebrate both the upcoming production and the unveiling of this exceptional artistic creation.

In his remarks, Dr. Ayman El-Shiwy praised the model as a symbol worthy of the National Theatre’s rich history and significance, expressing deep gratitude to Dr. Ahmed Hassan for this generous contribution. He also shared news that five Arab countries have expressed interest in hosting performances of “King Lear.”

The artist, Dr. Ahmed Hassan, extended his sincere thanks to Dr. El-Shiwy for his unwavering support in embracing this artistic work and to all those working tirelessly to preserve Egypt’s artistic heritage.

This remarkable model of the Khedivial Opera House—once the crown jewel of Egyptian arts before its destruction in 1971—now stands proudly in the National Theatre, a timeless reminder of the enduring power of culture and craftsmanship.