Bein El Maya wel Hawa: A Contemporary Egyptian Take on Chekhov’s The Seagull
An AUC theater production reimagines a Russian classic through an Egyptian voice.
As part of AUC’s ongoing commitment to nurturing original Egyptian theater and reimagining classic works, Bein El Maya wel Hawa brings new life to Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Directed by Dina Amin, Associate Professor of Theatre and Director of the Theatre Program in the department of the Arts. The play reinterprets the nineteenth-century classic for today’s audiences, exploring timeless emotions of love, ambition, and disillusionment through a distinctly Egyptian lens.
The production captures the essence of Chekhov’s original work, its fragile balance between dreams and reality, while allowing it to evolve within a local context.
“There’s something magical about works that live across time, as if their words still echo the same emotions we feel today: the same fears, the same passions, the same confusion,” said Amin.
For Amin, directing this adaptation was the fulfillment of a long-held vision. The goal was to preserve the spirit of Chekhov’s masterpiece while giving it fresh meaning for modern Egyptian audiences. Collaborating with Nour Coptan, who wrote the Egyptian adaptation, the creative team sought to craft a version that feels immediate, human, and close to everyday experience.
“I’ve always believed that what makes classics truly great isn’t that they’re old or famous, but that they stay genuine no matter how times change. Nour managed to make the classic feel contemporary, to let the text breathe in our own language and daily life.” said Amin.
The cast also shared their excitement about bringing such iconic characters to life on the AUC stage.
“Portraying Karim, a role inspired by the classic figure of Konstantin Treplev, is a dream for any theatre actor. It’s rare to step into something that carries the weight of such a timeless, universal story,” said Hussein Shabana, who plays Karim.
“It is my pleasure to be able to portray a complex and unique character like Nina. To be able to explore her complexity, her journey, and her extremely multi-dimensional character is a dream that I get to live every performance night. This is my third performance on the Malak Gabr and Falaki stages, and I believe that being able to bring a range of characters to life over the years is all thanks to my mentor, Professor Dina Amin. Her guidance and support have been an immense help throughout my journey in theatre at AUC. Her belief in me has given me the confidence to dive into new roles, explore different journeys, and tell stories that I feel incredibly lucky to share every single day.” said Mariam Zaky, who plays Nina.
Through Bein El Maya wel Hawa, Chekhov’s universal questions about art, love, and purpose find new expression in an Egyptian setting. The adaptation proves that great works never fade; they continue to be reborn each time they meet a new audience.