Egypt's puppet theater takes kids on journey

CAIRO-In a dark atmosphere backstage with dim bluish light in the background, shapes of the Sphinx and the three Great Pyramids of Egypt were put in place as the setting, while marionettists were preparing their colorful string puppets, including many in ancient Egyptian costumes. I have always wanted to present a show on the Pharaonic civilization which is rare in puppetry, via a journey exploring the Pharaonic world where the audience learn about ancient agriculture, mummification, papyrus and many other things," said Mohamed Nour, general manager of Cairo Puppet Theater and director of the show. As for marionettist Mohamed Shabrawy, 40, he said that he has been working for Cairo Puppet Theater for 15 years, noting that string puppets is the most difficult type of puppetry and that presenting a Pharaonic show makes it even harder. Cairo Puppet Theater joined international festivals and presented performances in many parts of the world, including most Arab states, Romania, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Vietnam, Pakistan, Mexico, the United States and China. "This profession needs a great deal of art and patience and I consider this puppet theater as valuable as a museum," the 52-year-old puppet maker told Xinhua, noting that he made more than 40 puppets for the Journey Through Beautiful Time show.