 CAIRO â Well-known writers, musicians and theatre figures gathered along with hundreds of fellow artistes in Cairo yesterday to protest against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who is seeking re-election next month. Poets recited their works and musicians played Middle Eastern stringed instruments known as ouds.
| And of course there was nothing strong to drink. Oy. |
Some in the crowd of about 300 chanted: âEgypt arise, Egyptians will support you,â lines from a song by Sayyed Darwish dating back to Egyptâs independence movement against the British mandate in the early 20th century. âNo to dictatorship! Down with Mubarak the dictator! Yes to freedom of expression and creation!â read a large banner. âNo to a fifth term!â read another.
| Did the artistes create any large paper-mache puppets? |
The protest was called by a newly formed organisation, Writers and Artists for Change, that rallied to call for Mubarak to step down after 24 years at the helm and make way for democracy. âThe elections are symbolic,â said novelist Mohammed al-Busati. âShame on the opposition parties that are participating because in doing so that they go along with the regime and help its perpetuation.â
| Election night in Cairo is going to be so exciting ... |
Stage director Muhsen Helmy said the group was calling on Egyptians to show their opposition to the system by staying home on voting day. âWe must boycott the elections. This is a comedy. Weâre here to call on Egyptâs people to boycott.â |
