Since the 1980’s independent theatre movement no new troupes have been formed, which makes “Tiatro” so avant-garde in their field. Tiatro, founded by Egyptian visual artist and director Omar Moataz Billah in 2001, is an independent theatre troupe aiming at establishing conversational anecdotes in forms of high standard visual art and theatre.
The Backstage Musical directed by young director Omar Moataz Bellah is part of Tiatro’s prestigious performances. It had been a long time since I last queued up at AUC’s Ewart Hall to watch a musical. Backstage takes you back to the heyday of theatre and cabaret taking you on a journey through show tunes, jazz hits and opera. The story takes place in the backstage area of a 1930’s theatre with the female cast preparing for the curtain rise. With ballads, Broadway tunes, solid Jazz and Opera the story of the quarrels of these women is narrated. A story of love, jealousy, hopes and aspirations is beautifully unfolding with breathtaking solos by tremendously talented sopranos Amira Reda and Maysa Orensa.
Among the cast are Hend El Shimy, Summer Galal, Amgad Emam, Beco G, Fahd Ibrahim, Omar Raafat and Sarah Khalil, the playwright. A special attention must go to the musicians who gave great performances. Pianists Faisal Fouad, Medea Ormotsadze, violinst Ahmed Ahraf, saxophonist Mohamed Labib and Karim Adnan on double bass. A special appearance by Riff Band’s Ahmed Harfoush for the famous Phantom of the Opera duet is surely worth mentioning.
Great music and choreography along with an authentic backdrop made this musical an extra-ordinary experience.
