March 5 — Cairo: Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe is expected to participate in the 33rd edition of the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, which will take place in Cairo from September 1 to September 8, 2026.
Festival president Sameh Mahran confirmed Dafoe’s attendance at the upcoming event. Born in 1955 in Appleton, Wisconsin, the American actor began his career in theatre, performing with Theatre X before co-founding the Experimental Theatre Company in New York.
Dafoe has maintained a strong presence on the stage throughout his career, performing in both classical and experimental productions alongside his film work. In cinema, he is known for roles in several acclaimed films, including Platoon (1986), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Mississippi Burning (1988), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), The English Patient (1996), and Spider-Man (2002).
Over the years, he has received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Platoon, Shadow of the Vampire (2000), The Florida Project (2017), and At Eternity’s Gate (2018).
Beyond acting, Dafoe has also contributed to the theatre industry as Artistic Director of the Theatre Sector at the Venice Biennale.
The Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre was established in 1988 by former Minister of Culture Farouk Hosny. The festival focuses on experimental performance, theatrical research, and international collaboration within the performing arts.
In addition to stage productions that explore contemporary theatre practices and technology, the event also features seminars, workshops, and panel discussions.
Sameh Mahran first served as the festival’s president in 2016, returned to lead the 30th edition in 2023, and continues in the role for the upcoming 33rd edition.
