As an internationally renowned Egyptian cultural beacon that disseminates culture, intellect, and art throughout the entire world, the BA is going to celebrate its 15th anniversary on 16 October 2017. Within the framework of this celebration, the BA Antiquities Museum is hosting the book signing of Il loto e il Papiro (The Lotus and the Papyrus)—an opera written in Italian about Pharaonic Egypt by renowned Italian dramatist Francesco Santocono, who has been greatly influenced by ancient Egyptian civilization. Dr. Mostafa el Feki, Director of the BA and eminent political thinker, and Dr. Zahi Hawass, esteemed Egyptian archaeologist and Egyptologist, will be among the attendees.
The plot revolves around the conflict between the Hyksos and the 17th dynasty that resided in the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes (the modern city of Luxor). The 17th dynasty was led by King Seqenenre Tao who was the first leader to begin the wars of liberating Egypt from the Hyksos occupation. His son and successor King Ahmose I victoriously completed the expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt. He then founded the 18th dynasty ushering in the New Kingdom of Egypt—a vital period in the history of Pharaonic Egypt that marked the peak of Egypt’s power and its dominance in the entire Ancient Near East.
Dr. Hawass, who wrote the book’s introduction, and the author will present the play, and a well-known Italian actress will recite selected passages from the book to the audience.