Anniversary of Naguib El-Rihani, the Egyptian theater's philosopher (1890-1949)
Egypt, People, 6/9/2000

Naguib El-Rihani is one of the most celebrated, popular and highly-acclaimed figures of the Egyptian theater. Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, he rendered great contributions to the development of the Egyptian theater movement. He introduced a new trend of a sublime comedy that uses words, phrases and situations to make people aware of the social issues around them and not only to make them laugh.

His background..

Born in the public district of Bab El-Shaa'ria in 1890, his name was Naguib Ilyas Rihani. He was born to a rich family, for a father of Iraqi origins and an Egyptian mother. Several years later, the father stunned the family when he wrote a will to bequeath all his wealth to his orphan niece, justifying his decision that his son can work and earn living while the orphan girl had no other option.

The father's decision had an impact on his son's life. Naguib El-Rihani hated injustice and brutality and dedicated his plays and films to support social justice.

His career:

El-Rihani dropped off school when he was 16 years old, preferring to start his acting career. However, he was given a job at the Agricultural Bank in Cairo, but he was soon dismissed for the same reason.

In the bank he was introduced to Aziz Eid, a leading theater actor, who encouraged him to join his theater company. He worked as an amateur and played several minor roles in Eid's plays. El-Rihani's dream to be an outstanding tragedian was not achieved. Instead he was destined to fame as an unrivaled comedian.

In 1914, he became a professional actor in George Abyadh's company, one of the most successful at that time. He then moved to a theater company established by Sheikh Ahmed El-Shami. He translated dramas from French and participated in the group's plays.

Two years later, he enjoyed a well-established fame after innovating the character of "Keshkesh Bec", the Umdah (Mayor) of a small village named Kafr El-Ballas. Despite the sounding success of the plays based on this character, he suddenly decided to immigrate to a Latin American country. He stayed there a short period and then yielded to the nostalgia and returned to Cairo for good.

Development of his Career:

Naguib El-Rihani's career consisted of five stages. The first is known among critics as Keshkesh Bec stage from 1916-1918. The second two-year phase started in 1918 and included several show plays. Naguib El-Rihani also introduced many operettas in the third stage from 1920-1926. Critics identify the fourth stage, from 1926-1936, as the "Diving Phase" because his plays indulged deeply in social issues. The fifth and last phase included his masterpiece films and plays.

His work:

El-Rihani laid down the foundation of the modern Egyptian theater comic trend. He helped abolish the old trends of comic plays which were based on the use of meaningless words and replaced it with a new trend of the comedy of manners. He acted in some 100 plays and helped his friend playwright Badie Khairi to write some of these plays.

His works outlined his views towards different social and political issues, opposing the tyranny of the royal court and seeking to change the characteristics of the capitalistic classes. He also responded to the wavering public support to the national revolution of 1919. He cooperated with legendary composer Sayyed Darwish in presenting an operetta highlighting the revolution.

El-Rihani's greatest contribution to the Egyptian theater was given through the theater company he formed with playwright Badie Khairi. The company performed some of the best landmarks in the history of the Egyptian theater.

After attaining success in theater, he began a new career in the movie industry, performing in a number of most appealing and popular films. He reached the peak in his last movie, "Gazal El-Banat," which he died before completing.

El-Rihani's company toured Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Tunisia. He also gave performances to the Arab communities in Latin America. Although Naguib El-Rihani's plays mainly focused on the problems and conditions of the Egyptian society, he found that several theater companies in Syria, Brazil and Argentine had adapted the character of Keshkesh Bec.

EL-Rihany theatrical troupe

It was established during the World War 2, El-Rihany invented the character of "Keshkesh Bec" the Mayor of a small village named Kafr El-Ballas, then he moved with his troupe to a theater named "The Renaissance".

He established a new theater and presented his lyrical novels Hamar wa Halawa "Roses Cheeks".

Naguib El Rihany disagreed with Amin Sedki, his play writer, which led to the split of the latter. Naguib El Rihany appointed his friend George Sheftish and discovered later that he has no idea about Zagal (popular verse). Then he appointed Badie Khairy instead and presented the play under his name, this was the beginning of their friendship.

He decided to present lyrical novels in cooperation with Badie Khairy and Sayyed Darwish and the first novel was Alla Kifak (Suit yourself).

Naguib employed the most famous female singers at that time as Fatheya Ahmed.

He presented during the 1919 Revolution the novel of "The Good Ten" which echoed extensively.

Naguib was acquainted with Badiía Masabni, then he employed her in his group and she succeeded greatly.

He traveled to Latin America and succeeded there. After his return he constituted a new group to act on Dar Eltamthyl Al Araby theater, as he introduced a new sort of novels as "The Geeseís Consul".

He reconstituted his group, and acted on Al-Brnitnia Theater, among its heroines was Aziza Amir. Naguib traveled in an art tour to North Africa and returned to Egypt in 1935. He rented Ramses theater and continued to work there till the end of his life in 1949.

Mary Moneib joined the group in 1936.

His personal life:

El-Rihani married famous Lebanese actress-singer Badiea Masabni. They divorced two years before his death. He was involved in several love stories with French actresses, but he refused to leave Egypt for France to join their theater companies.

He died on June 8, 1949, causing the millions of fans he used to amuse to cry for the first time

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  Mohamad Abdul Wahab the legend of Arab singing   (5/4/2000)
  Anniversary of Abdul Halim Hafez   (3/30/2000)

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