Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre

CIFET

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MusicCairo
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsCIFET stood apart from other Arab theatre
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: EGP
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre in Cairo

Launched in 1988 under then-culture minister Farouk Hosny, Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre deliberately programs avant-garde and interdisciplinary work rather than classical repertoire. Suspended for five years after the 2011 revolution, it returned in 2016 and continues each September, drawing experimental troupes from across the Arab world to multiple Cairo venues.

Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre was launched in 1988 under then-culture minister Farouk Hosny, with an explicit aim of putting Cairo on the international theatre map at a time when most regional festivals still centred on classical and traditional stagings.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

CIFET stood apart from other Arab theatre festivals from its 1988 founding by deliberately programming experimental, interdisciplinary and avant-garde staging rather than classical or traditional repertoire, a specialisation that made it one of relatively few dedicated experimental theatre festivals anywhere in the world

02

The mystery stays covered

At its late-2000s peak it staged forty to fifty performances across multiple Cairo venues within roughly ten days, a density unusual for a specialised theatre festival

03

The city starts moving

Its five-year suspension after the 2011 revolution and 2016 relaunch under new leadership also make its programming history a visible marker of Egypt's broader cultural disruption and recovery

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival centres on an international competition for experimental and avant-garde theatre

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a specialised mandate maintained since its 1988 founding under the Ministry of Culture

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

For Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, plan transport around the exact Cairo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Smart-casual clothing suits indoor theatre venues; a light layer helps against strong air conditioning, since September evenings outside remain warm while performance halls are kept cool.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, stay near the part of Cairo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

EGP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map30.06 N, 31.25 EOpen in Google Maps

Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

Nearest airportCAI — Cairo
TransportFor Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, plan transport around the exact Cairo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, stay near the part of Cairo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Cairo via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Cairo, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual clothing suits indoor theatre venues; a light layer helps against strong air conditioning, since September evenings outside remain warm while performance halls are kept cool.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Egypt and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre?

Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre take place?

The festival is listed in Cairo, Egypt. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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