The Mansoura Cultural Palace Theater Club team presented the play “Simba” on Monday as part of the first edition of the final festival for children’s theater clubs and troupes, “Yaqub Al-Sharouni Edition,” organized by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces under the leadership of Major General Khaled Al-Laban, running until September 2 at the Rod El Farag Cultural Palace theater.

The play is adapted from a text by writer Irene Mikshi and directed by Ahmed Awad. It was witnessed by a judging panel including poet Dr. Masoud Shoman, Dr. Samar Al-Saeed, Dr. Wael Awad, artist Wafaa Al-Hakim, and set designer Mohamed Hashem, alongside the presence of Radwa Al-Qasabji, Director of Children’s Theater and Music Department, festival executive director Amr Hamza, director of children’s theater clubs and festival coordinator, and a large audience of children and their families.

The story revolves around the struggle between good and evil in the African lion kingdom, following the young cub “Simba”‘s journey after his father “Mufasa” is killed by his uncle “Scar,” culminating in Simba successfully reclaiming the throne.

Director Ahmed Awad explained that the play is inspired by “The Lion King” story, set in a forest where Scar seeks to seize power and frightens the young Simba, who ultimately restores his kingdom.

He added that the play conveys the message that one must face life’s obstacles and crises to regain willpower and status.

Regarding the performances, the director noted the use of unconventional styles such as gymnastics and ballet to break away from stereotypical movements, with performances both on stage and in front of the audience to engage children interactively.

Marwan Tamer plays the villainous and tyrannical Scar, who desires everything at others’ expense without regard for consequences.

Malik Mohamed Fawzi portrays Simba, the adventurous cub who dreams of being brave like his father, the king of the jungle, but suffers a great tragedy after his father’s death by Scar.

Noor Amal plays Mufasa, Simba’s father, who struggles psychologically between past and future, fearing leaving the kingdom to evildoers. He also plays the adult Simba to add credibility through character resemblance.

Jana Mohamed plays Nala, Simba’s childhood supporter who meets him after twenty years of absence, reproaches him for abandoning his country and throne to Scar who tortured everyone, and encourages him to return and reclaim the throne.

Makeup designer Lamis Ramadan explained that makeup was designed to suit each character’s nature, with comedic characters featuring joyful glitter designs, while villainous and calm characters had makeup reflecting their dramatic features.

Set designer Shadi Qatamesh said he relied on recycling materials innovatively, such as using water bottles to design flowers, to promote creativity beyond standard templates and ready-made designs.

“Simba” cast includes Marwan Tamer, Noor Amal, Malik Fawzi, Jana Khamis, Lana Al-Marsawi, Rimas Ibrahim, Sandy Badr El-Din, and Mariam Abdulrahman, alongside Taqi Shaalan, Nawal Al-Saeed, Uday Khaled, Judy Metwally, Taim Mohamed, Asil Jihad, Hana Al-Marsawi, and Makka Farghali.

Lighting by Mohamed Al-Sawy, music execution by Saif Al-Ajmi, set design by Shadi Qatamesh, and makeup by Lamis Ramadan.

The festival is supervised by the Central Administration for Studies and Research headed by Dr. Hanan Mousa, festival CEO, and the General Administration for Children’s Culture led by Dr. Jehan Hassan, festival director, in cooperation with the six cultural regions affiliated with the authority. The performances are free at the Rod El Farag Cultural Palace theater.

The final festival for children’s theater clubs and troupes crowns a full year of work and creativity within the cultural regions, aiming to instill creative values and develop artistic sensibility among future generations.

The events continue tomorrow, Tuesday, with two plays: “King and Aladdin” by Port Said Cultural Palace Theater Clubs, written by Abdo Al-Zara’a and directed by Youssef Al-Shaer, showing at 10 AM; and “Dream Palace” by Matrouh Cultural Palace troupe, written by Atef Abdulrahman and directed by Azza Al-Sharqawi, showing at 8 PM.