By: Habiba Hedaya Hedaya, Mariam Amr Rashid, Loaloaa Elhabrouk

The Faculty of Mass Communication theatre team won first place at the level of the university`s faculties in the Festival of Long Theatre Performances. The awards also included the Faculty team winning a number of individual awards, including the first place at the level of directing and writing for the director Michael Magdy, the first place for the best actress in a first role for the student Salma Nasr, the award for excellence in acting for the student Esraa Sameh, and second place best actress in the first role of the student Yasmine Ashraf. The winning team also won second place for lighting Abu Bakr Al-Sharif, third place for costumes Marianne Michel, and third place for choreography Raheel Emad.

 The Cairo University Theatre Group of the Faculty of Mass Communication recently presented their thought-provoking play, "Three Seats on the Last Train," at the Festival of Theatre Performances. Directed by Michael Magdy, the play delves into the challenges faced by women in contemporary society.

 "Three Seats on the Last Train," has highlighted the lives of three young women, Yasmine, Maryam, and Bassant, who represent the struggles faced by women in society, including harassment, extortion, and limitations on their freedom to shape their own futures.

 The play`s poignant performance captivated the audience and evoked a strong emotional response. The production`s success was due to the collaboration of talented students, including Yasmine Ashraf, Salma Nasr, Israa Sameh, Muhannad Ahmed, Ahmed Hamed, and Jerome, under the guidance of team leader Mohamad Al-Sayed.

 The play premiered on May 11, 2023, at the University City Theatre under the auspices of Dr. Mohamed Osman Elkhosht, the president of Cairo University, and Dr. Hanan Gunaid, dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication,. The overwhelming response from the audience has led to additional performances being scheduled at various other venues in the near future.

The production of "Three Seats on the Last Train" showcases the passion, talent, and spirit of Cairo University`s gifted students from the Faculty of Mass Communication, making it an outstanding show. The play`s powerful message about the issues women face in today`s society is conveyed through compelling storytelling, expert direction, and outstanding performances.

In a world where women`s rights and issues are often swept under the rug, it is commendable that the Cairo University Theatre Group chose to focus on such an important and relevant topic. The play brings to the forefront the challenges women face, shedding light on their struggles and empowering them to speak up and demand change. It is a testament to the power of theatre to drive social change and inspire people to think critically about the world around them.

 Overall, "Three Seats on the Last Train" is a captivating and thought-provoking play that should be seen by everyone. It is a poignant reminder that while progress has been made in the fight for gender equality, there is still a long way to go. The play is a call to action, urging everyone to come together to create a better, more just world where women`s rights are respected and upheld.