Giant puppets enter Egyptian politics

During the 16th Century a form of street performance appeared in Egypt — the “Aragoz” — involving a protagonist in a mobile puppet theatre. This was the perfect vehicle for Egyptian criticism and mockery of the government, politics, and the social status quo. This special puppet was a treat for many children in the neighborhoods of Cairo. Upon hearing his whistle, people would gather around and an eager audience would cluster at their windows to watch his endless acts. Starting in the 1970’s, the puppet became less popular in Egypt due to a sharp decline in the number of skilled and experienced puppeteers, and because of the spread of competing TV programs, satellite channels, and other means of entertainment. On the anniversary of the Egyptian revolution — January 25, 2012 — Nassef, a puppet creator and puppeteer, saw a large puppet amongst the people in Mostafa Mahmoud square, dressed in military uniform mocking General Tantawy. He introduced himself to its creators and was excited to meet a group of young people who were not affiliated with any political parties or movements. He gave them his number and said, “If you want to make puppets, come and I’ll teach you.” A month later, the group went to Nassef’s workshop in Fayoum, where he had already started creating three triple-life-sized puppets. The group stayed in Fayoum for more than a month until they finished making the puppets.