In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Middle East Institute’s (MEI) Egypt Program is pleased to announce a book talk reflecting on the stories of women who defined the musical, theatrical, and film culture of Egypt in the 1920’s. Raphael Cormack’s Midnight in Cairo: The Divas of Egypt’s Roaring 20’s (Norton Press 2021) showcases the electrifying work of vaudeville stars, theater pioneers, and singers like Mounira al-Mahdiyya and the iconic Oum Kalthoum.
These women and their careers are not only a rich part of Egypt’s modern cultural history, but the stories of their careers interweave debates over feminism, colonialism, conservatism, liberalism, and secularism in the interwar period.
Author Raphael Cormack will be joined in conversation with journalist Maha ElNabawi, moderated by MEI’s Mirette F. Mabrouk. Register now for the opportunity to hear from the author. Discount codes for the book will be available to all registrants.
Speakers:
Raphael Cormack
Historian; author, Midnight in Cairo: The Divas of Egypt’s Roaring ‘20s
Maha ElNabawi
Co-founder, Mada Masr; writer, music journalist, and content producer
Mirette F. Mabrouk, moderator
Senior fellow and director, Egypt program, MEI