Flair Magazine By: Mayar S.Mosaad
An enchanting clash of contemporary visual arts and the pure love for cats came to Dawar Arts, the independent cultural organization based in Cairo. The event took place earlier this month, held by Cats of Egypt, the fun-spirited platform that has been the voice of cats and pets since 2019. Cats of Egypt joined forces with Khoyout Troupe to create an interactive theatre night.
Four free-spirited actors, an emotionally intelligent host, and a tone-setter actor with a xylophone. Together they made Khoyout Troupe, a group of improvisational actors who have gained fame among the contemporary art connoisseurs in Egypt for the past five years. They bring to life unscripted dramatic performances generated spontaneously by the actors right after they hear stories from the audience in a heart-warming, and sometimes brutally honest, act.
The lovers of Cats of Egypt narrated their stories with their furry friends and the Troupe, sometimes had us in tears of laughter, other times in tears of grief, but always captivated.
1- Ahmed’s Jealous Cat: Samir Abou El Kheir
Ahmed, a writer for Cats of Egypt and a defender of the furry community, has a problem at home; his wife and his cat have a love-hate relationship. Unfortunately, Samir Abou El Kheir could not handle competition, wanting Ahmed’s undivided attention for himself, and would not accept a ‘rival’ aka. Amira, in his territory. Amira, on her part, does not like pets and not cats. Luckily, Ahmed tells us that Samir, with a character as unique as his name, somehow won over Amira’s heart, and now they are a happy family of 3, with the parents proud of their furry son who cannot keep his tiny paws off the sofas.
2- Dalia & Madad: A Journey Towards Healing
For those of you who do not know Madad (مَدَد) in Arabic means assistance, aid, and relief; no name could have been more accurate to describe what Madad has brought into Dalia’s life. Dalia Adel has spent a year with Madad, during which she got sick with continuous indescribable pain in the chest. To her surprise, the more she got sick, Madad got even sicker. Vets assured her that nothing was wrong with her furry friend. She was shaken to the core when an animal communicator told her that poor little Madad felt helpless and the only way he could give her his support was to be equally sick. Dalia told Khoyout Troupe that Madad had another gift; at times when she could not describe what or where is hurting her, he would sneak onto her chest, hit slightly right where it hurts, giving her fractions of a second of relief; as if warning her about her health condition. Later, she finds out he was hinting at a Thyroid gland disease. Thanks to her guardian angel, Dalia is now healthy, happy, and grateful for the heaven-sent Madad.
The night was a great reminder that giving a voice for the voiceless is the nobility of our humankind, that love is beyond our apprehension. We encourage you to check the online platforms of Cats of Egypt & Khoyout Troupe but be alarmed to be enchanted.
