The Isis International Women’s Theatre Festival has officially opened applications for the Fathia El Assal Playwriting Competition, reaffirming its commitment to supporting women’s creative voices and encouraging new talent in Egyptian theatre.
The competition will take place as part of the festival’s fourth edition, scheduled from 25 September to 2 October 2026, offering an important platform for playwrights to present original works that explore women’s experiences and gender-related issues through contemporary theatre.
Two Competition Tracks for Professional and Emerging Writers
The competition welcomes submissions through two distinct categories designed to encourage both established and emerging talent.
The Professional Track is open to experienced playwrights of all genders, while the Emerging Writers Track is exclusively dedicated to women who are beginning their journey in theatre writing.
Applications for both tracks will remain open until 10 August 2026.
Encouraging Stories That Reflect Women’s Experiences
Festival President and theatre director Abeer Lotfy described the Fathia El Assal Competition as one of the festival’s most significant initiatives, noting that it has become an essential platform for discovering promising playwrights and supporting original theatrical voices.
For the Professional Track, submitted plays must address women’s issues or broader gender themes through strong artistic and critical perspectives. Scripts may be written in either Modern Standard Arabic or Egyptian colloquial Arabic, must be unpublished and previously unperformed, and should target audiences aged 18 and above. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old.
The Emerging Writers Track is designed specifically for women whose theatrical works have not yet been staged. The competition welcomes all forms and styles of dramatic writing, encouraging experimentation, personal storytelling, and creative freedom. Previous professional experience or formal academic training is not required, making the category accessible to aspiring playwrights from diverse backgrounds.
Publication Opportunities for Winning Plays
Beyond recognition during the festival, the winning scripts will receive official publication complete with legal deposit registration and will be launched during the Cairo International Book Fair, providing emerging playwrights with valuable visibility within Egypt’s literary and cultural community.
Honoring the Legacy of Egyptian Theatre Icons
The upcoming festival edition will honor the late Egyptian actress Sanaa Gamil, continuing the festival’s tradition of celebrating pioneering women who have shaped Egypt’s theatrical heritage.
Previous editions paid tribute to celebrated performers including Shwikar, Aida Abdel Aziz, and Samiha Ayoub, reflecting the festival’s mission to preserve the legacy of influential women while inspiring future generations of artists.
Organized by the Neighbor of the Moon Foundation with the support and patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, the Isis International Women’s Theatre Festival continues to strengthen women’s participation in the performing arts by creating opportunities for creative expression, professional development, and cultural leadership.
