Project 15- Kasr El Nile Theatre renovations
In January 2020 I was contacted by an architect who was in charge of the renovations of one of Egypt’s premiere theaters from a bygone era. In its heyday the Kasr El Nile was the home to the legendary performer Umm Kulthum. Many recordings, including filmed concerts happened there. Since then it has fallen into a state of disrepair. Cairo’s Ministry of Culture, and other political and private organizations, envision downtown Cairo returning again to being a seat of culture. The renovations of the Kasr El Nile Theatre is one of the key elements to this multi-part plan involving entire blocks around the Tahrir Square area. In the US I’ve consulted on numerous renovations and original constructions, so my experience will be valuable to this project. The structural renovations and especially the lobby areas are well underway. But currently most work is on hold because of the worldwide pandemic. When it is safe to resume work, the renovations and my involvement will continue.
Below are pictures of what the theater used to be and the condition it’s in now. It would be a great honor to be part of taking this amazing space back to some semblance of its former glory.
