Biographies: Tawfiq El Deqen - Actor

Biographies

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Tawfik Ameen Muhammad Ahmad al-Sheikh El Deken was born in the village of Horeen in Berket al-Sab’ Monoufeyya (delta of Egypt). He graduated from the High Institute of Dramatic Arts 1950. His career started when he was still studying when he played the role of a peasant then participated in “Dhohoor al-Islaam" (The appearance of Islam) in 1951. Seven years after his graduation, Tawfik joined the Free Theatre Troupe. He also worked with Esma’eel Yasseen in his troupe then joined the National Theatre where he remained member of its troupe until the end of his life. In the National Theatre he presented “’Aaelat al-Doghry" (The Doghrys), “Bedaaya wa nehaaya" (Dead among the living), “Sekkat al-salaama" (The safe way), “Al-Mahroussa" i.e. The Blessed”, “’Afareet Masr al-gedeeda i.e. The demons of Heliopolis”, “Al-farafeer” where he excelled. , “Mash-had men al-guesr" (View from the bridge), “Hesbet Berma" (Berma calculation)”, “Al-naass elly taht" (Downstairs people), “ Kahayal al-dhell" (Shadow plays), “Solaymaan al-Halaby” and “Beer al-sellem" (Stairwell). He was very popular in playing the evil scoundrel role in very special manner that was assisted by his features thus making of him one of the best Arab actors in such roles. As Tawfik grew older his roles changed. He played the role of the helpless father in “’Ala baab al-Wazeer” and the peasant’s role in “Kharaga wa lam ya’od" (Out and never back). His on screen phrases became idioms in Egypt and all over the Arab world; “Ahla men al-sharaf mafeesh,” “Hambaka” and “Alo ya Omam”.

• 14 June 2011
• Achraf Wassim