(31 Dec 2018) LEAD IN:
A cultural group is bringing theatre and music to new audiences in Egypt.
Members of Mahatat perform in the streets across the country - especially in places where the arts are rarely seen.
STORY-LINE:
The drummers have an instant allure for these children.
It's noisy and signals it's time to get together with friends.
Here they are led by the young members of the Mahatat arts and cultural team.
Mahatat is a Cairo-based social and cultural enterprise which aims to make contemporary arts accessible to a wide range of people, especially in rural areas.
Its manifesto is that access to cultural and artistic activities is a basic right of every citizen.
It was established in 2011, triggered by the post-revolutionary spirit in Egypt after the uprising which toppled long-time former president Hosni Mubarak.
The actors and performers dress in whimsical clothes and ride through the streets of Cairo gathering their audience.
Youmna Abu Ouf, marketing and communication manager, says they always make sure they are not causing a disturbance.
"Before going into any area we find about the place, just to make sure the show will not affect the people there. Especially if it's a crowded area or if there are school exams going on, we avoid making noise, she says.
Adding, "We organise the show according to the place and not the other way around, just to make sure we are not imposing it on the people."
The enterprise seeks to transform public spaces by exposing local people to the arts.
The audience seems captivated. And the jokes and tricks go down well.
Heba al-Sheikh, Mahatat's director, believes Egyptians needs to re-connect with the arts in general but that can only be done if it's made more accessible.
"We are very sure that people love these art forms and can enjoy them. Our experience over seven years proves that people accept this."
Children are the main audience, but older people are also entertained by Mahatat performances.
"The best thing about this show is that it's happening in Al-Khalifa. Shows like this don't happen in areas like this one," says Mervat Ezzat who has come to a show in a Cairo suburb.
Mahatat has an array of programmes, including public art performances, tours and community art.
Irene Shawki is a musician for the initiative. She says the group's aim is simple but important.
"Our main aim is to bring joy. We are missing simple things like spending time together and laughing. It could even be in the streets, you don't need to go to anywhere to be happy."
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