Al-Aragoz is an ancient Egyptian form of theatre that uses traditional hand puppetry. It is a highly popular event where puppeteers hide inside a small portable stage while an assistant interacts with the puppets and the crowd. It is a wooden marionette puppet that is about to be recognized in the city.
The origin of the puppet was not identified in history books, however, this puppet first appeared in Egypt during the Fatimid era when such art was reserved for sultans and the aristocracy. Due to its reflection of the political, cultural, and economic circumstances of the people, this art gained wide popularity in Egyptian society.
The puppeteers enact Aragoz's exploits, some of which date back to Ottoman times, relating tales with a thought-provoking morals, and stories that elicit laughter from spectators, mostly children. The name Al-Aragoz comes from the main puppet, whose distinctive voice is derived from a voice modifier. Interaction between performers and audience is dynamic during the show, which has a comic and entertaining atmosphere.
Al-Aragoz was formerly presented by groups of traveling performers who traveled from one folk celebration to another. The performers were skilled in manipulating and controlling the puppets, as well as in improv and musical skills. Each show explores a wide range of themes related to everyday life.
Over time, the number of performances dwindled, so performers and their assistants settled permanently at fixed places, mainly in Cairo. Over the years, Al-Aragouz spread among a wide range of social classes and became an inseparable part of festivities commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Moulids). With the advent of television animation shows, its popularity began to fade.
In today's modern social, political, legal, and cultural environment, the viability of the practice is threatened due to laws prohibiting public gatherings, religious radicalism, an overall decrease in young people's interest in the practice, and the advanced age of its practitioners.
It is estimated that only a few practitioners are left, while many of those who once performed the stories have disappeared. As of now, it is only Wamda Troupe that performs the show at old Cairo's Bayt Al-Suhaymi. Today, all Aragoz sketches are still performed as part of the country's cultural heritage, being passed from one generation of performers to another without proper documentation. Hope in the future the community takes more effort to step up and preserves their culture.