The first-of-its-kind festival, 'Alternative Solution' in Cairo's Townhouse Gallery presents free of charge performances and film screenings, taking place between 24 March and 17 April Hal Badeel(Alternative Solution) Festival for Arts launches its first series of performing arts events in Townhouse Gallery's factory space between 24 March and 17 April, turning the art gallery into a stage for music, dance, puppetry and film screenings. The festival is an independent initiative by two young artists: Mido Sadek and Saber Sayid, who address the issue of shutting down of cultural spaces in Cairo. The group recycled Townhouse's Factory space from an exhibition hall to a theatre, as an experiment. "With many artistic spaces closing, such as Rawabet Theater, we wanted to try and use spaces such as garages and warehouses, which are empty for art," an organiser of the festival Maha Moneb told Ahram Online. With a focus on independent arts and younger performers, the festival is bringing to the stage many Egyptian artists across various disciplines. The volunteer-run festival is not charging any ticket fees at the door to make the festival more inclusive. They are also placing a screen on Nabrawy Street outside of Townhouse, where there is a popular local cafe, and many bystanders, allowing them to see the performances inside the hall. "Until the festival starts, the space is also open all day for rehearsals and pop-up events by any artists," Moneb said. "We encourage people to pass by and take a look at what we've done with the stage," she added excitedly. Programme: Sunday 24 March 7pm A word from the organisers. 7.15pm Film screening ofAhad sokan Al Maddina(One of the City's Residents) by Adham El-Sherief. 7.40pm Electronic Music Project performanceShorbaMohamed Shafik & Nadah El-Shazly 8.15pm Concert by Mashrou' Koral, Sallam Yousry Tuesday 26 March 8pm Film screeningThough I Know The River is Dryby Omar Hamilton 8.30pm Mashrou' Mareekh's Open Mic 9.10pm Concert by Darwasha Band Thursday 28 March 8pm Poetry night by Amin Haddad directed by Reem Hatem Saturday 30 March 8pm Film screening ofDakhel w Khareg El Ghorfa(In & Out The Room) by Dina Hamza 9pm Electronic Music concert byMaurice Loca Wednesday 3 April 8pm Short Movie screenings Friday 5 April 8pmBe Basata Keda(simply like this) performance of stories about the revolution by Ana El-Hekaya Group Sunday 7 April 8pm Screenings by Mosireen Media Cooperative 8.45pm Electronic Music concert by Rami Abadeer 9.15pm Concert by 'Page 2' Band Feat. Aly Talibab's Lyrics & Poetry Monday 8 April 8pm Documentary TheatreNo Time For Artdirected by Laila Soliman Tuesday 9 April 8pm Contemporary Dance performanceNot for Everybodyby Mirette Michail 8.45pm Concert by Hassan Zaki Thursday 11 April 8pm Dancing Martial Art BrazilianCapoeira byMohamed Tiger 8.45pm HipHop Dancing byWe AreGroup Saturday 13 April 8pm Multimedia performanceNo Exitby Omar El-Motaa'z Bellah Monday 15 April 8pm Contemporary Dance performanceDisorderby Sherien Hegazy 8pm Stand Up Comedy by Ali Qandeel 8.45 Mime by Amro Abdel Aziz 9pm Contemporary Dance performanceOneby Ahmed El Gendy Wednesday 17 April 7.30pm Clown performance byOuta Hamra 8.30 A Word from the Organisers 8.45 Contemporary Dance Centre performance by Karima Mansour 9.45 Concert by Yousra El-Hawary http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/67290.aspx
