Tips from the culture desk: July 12-18 in Cairo

Cairo’s cultural life is a bit slow this week, as the capital’s denizens are preoccupied with the tenuous state of security and contemplating a beach get-away for next week’s Eid holidays. But for those staying in the city who seek to escape both the oppressive news cycle and the summer heat, Mada recommends comedic and musical relief with a film screening, two concerts and a stand-up comedy festival.

Rumor of Love screening - Sunday, July 12

Room Art Space and Cafe will host a screening of a beloved gem of Egyptian cinema, Eshaaet Hob (Rumor of Love, 1960). Directed by comedic icon Fateen Abdel-Wahab, the film stars cinematic heroes including the recently passed Omar Sharif, Soad Hosny, Youssef Wahbi and Hend Rustom. The film is a classic to the core, with a sharply written, witty script that’s excellently delivered by the actors. The plot revolves around a young woman, Samiha, who is looking for a lady’s man, and her father creates a rumor about his goodie-goodie nephew to get her attention. It’s not a profound, soul-shattering film, but it provides much-needed comedic relief, and will also help you understand several Egyptian pop culture references that are still used to this day.

Rumor of Love will be screened at 9.30 pm at Room Art Space,10 Etehad El-Mohameyeen Street, Garden City, Cairo. There’s a minimum charge of LE20 to enter, and free popcorn will be served. English subtitles are available.

Al-Hezb el-Comedy Presents: Ramadan Comedy Festival - Sunday, July 12

Al-Hezb el-Comedy is giving audiences a reason to laugh with a festival of seven Egyptian stand-up comedians, including Hashem El Garhy, Mostafa Gamal, Hazem Abo Fiad, Mohamed Gamal El Din, Mohammed Morgan, Waleed Abulmagd and Alaa El Sheikh. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Alwan Wa Awtar to support the artistic and cultural development of underprivileged kids.

Get a glimpse of their comedic talents here:

Tickets are sold at Sawy Culture Wheel for LE25 and LE30. Sawy Culture Wheel, 26th of July Street, Zamalek. Show starts at 10 pm.

Omar Khairat Concert - Tuesday, July 14

For all the fans of the famed Egyptian pianist, composer and conductor Omar Khairat, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST) is holding a concert next Tuesday for the renowned musician. Tickets are sold online on Ticketsmarche.com for LE200 to LE600. Formal dress code is mandatory.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=6fw5bKC1Xiw

The concert will start at 9:30 pm in the MUST Opera House. Children under seven are not allowed.

HOH 2nd Acoustic Concert - Wednesday, July 15

Three singers from Egypt’s independent music scene are performing together in what should be an interesting evening of musical collaboration. Hany Adel from Wust El Balad, Ousso Lotfy from Nagham Masry and Hany El Dakkak from Massar Egbari will perform each other’s songs with new musical arrangements.

Tickets are available here, and also from Sakyet al-Sawy. Sawy Culture Wheel, 26th of July Street, Zamalek, Nahar Ballroom. Concert starts at 10 pm, tickets are LE50.