The Yacoubian Building

by Kareem Fahmy

Based on the novel that became an international sensation, 'The Yacoubian Building' is set in Cairo, chronicling the lives of Egyptians of different religions, sexual orientations, and class backgrounds. The titular apartment block becomes a microcosm of an Egypt infested with corruption, discrimination, and despair. A love letter to the Middle East, the play conjures an Egypt before the Arab Spring, still on...

Based on the novel that became an international sensation, 'The Yacoubian Building' is set in Cairo, chronicling the lives of Egyptians of different religions, sexual orientations, and class backgrounds. The titular apartment block becomes a microcosm of an Egypt infested with corruption, discrimination, and despair. A love letter to the Middle East, the play conjures an Egypt before the Arab Spring, still on the brink of change, deeply divided but full of hope.

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The Yacoubian Building

Recommended by

  • Andrew Rosendorf: The Yacoubian Building by Kareem Fahmy
    “

    This is a gorgeous, intimate, and ambitious exploration of Egypt before the Arab Spring. Kareem's adaptation is filled with characters and stories of great depth and nuance. Your heart breaks for each of them - even if you don't agree with their choices. You come to understand these characters (including the building itself) down to their souls. The play deserves to be supported and produced.

    This is a gorgeous, intimate, and ambitious exploration of Egypt before the Arab Spring. Kareem's adaptation is filled with characters and stories of great depth and nuance. Your heart breaks for each of them - even if you don't agree with their choices. You come to understand these characters (including the building itself) down to their souls. The play deserves to be supported and produced.

    ”
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS
- TAHA Muhammad el Shazli, 20s, the son of the Yacoubian Building’s doorkeeper. Grew up on the roof of the Yacoubian Building.
- BUSAYNA el Sayed, 20s, sweetheart of Taha. Grew up on the roof of the Yacoubian Building.
- ZAKI BEY el Dessouki, 50s-60s, failed engineer and playboy. Longest resident of the Yacoubian Building.
- SHAZLI, 50s, the Yacoubian Building’s doorkeeper and Taha’s father.
- Hagg Muhammad AZZAM, 50s-60s, wealthy and successful businessman. Owns the shoe store on the ground level of the Yacoubian Building as well as an apartment in the building.
- SOUAD Gaber, 40s, second wife of Hagg Azzam. From Alexandria.
- HATIM Rasheed, late 30s/early 40s, journalist and editor-in-chief of Le Caire. Grew up in an apartment in the Yacoubian Building.
- ABD RABBUH, 20s, an officer in the Egyptian military serving in Cairo. A Nubian from Upper Egypt.
- ABASKHARON, 40s, Zaki Bey’s servant. DAWLAT el Dessouki, 60s, older sister of Zaki Bey.

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
- MUSTAFA, a young father.
- KAMAL el Fouli, 50s, Secretary of the Patriot Party.
- YASSER el Fouli, 30s, a lawyer, the son of Kamal el Fouli.
- KHALID Abd el Rahim, 20s, a student, a devotee of Sheik Shakir.
- A REPORTER, any age.
- HIDIYA, 20s, Abd Rabbuh’s wife and mother to their baby, Wael. A Nubian from Upper Egypt.
- Sheik SHAKIR, 50s, an Islamist sheik with a loyal following. Taha’s INTERROGATOR.
- Sheik EL SAMMAN, 50s.
- A POLICE OFFICER, young.

Note: With double casting, the play can be performed with 13 or 14 actors.

Development History

  • Reading, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 2018
  • Workshop, Atlantic Theater Company, 2018
  • Reading, The Drama League, 2017

Awards

  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2019