Video: Fotouh Ahmed Talks About the National Theater and its Obstacles

talked to actor and theater man Fotouh Ahmed, head of Egypt's Artistic House of Theatre. He talked to us about the problems facing the National Theater, from the lack of a budget, to stars asking for huge salaries and finally his suggestion to institute a yearly fee for theatergoers.

Ahmed told us that the budget of the Artistic Theater House was 86 million EGP, which he described as woefully inadequate, citing the reluctance on the part of the audience to pay for high ticket prices, a result of the high wages demanded by performing artists.

The longtime actor also added that he suggests that audiences should have access to the theater by paying an official, yearly membership that would allow viewers to enjoy all of the offerings and shows put on that the National Theater throughout the year.