The Street is a Kingdom, Brother, produced by the El-Pergola Puppet Theater in collaboration with the Coptic Evangelical Commission in Cairo, is a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the lives of street children in Egypt. Written and directed by Rania Refaat, the play is rooted in four months of immersive interviews and observations, during which Rania lived alongside these children as a trainer and writer, witnessing their struggles, battles, and resilience firsthand.
The story follows Ali, a young boy burdened by abuse at home. After a violent encounter with his father and stepmother, Ali flees to the streets, where he finds camaraderie among other street children. However, his initiation into this harsh “kingdom” is marked by trauma, as he is subjected to a brutal tradition of belonging. Over time, Ali learns to navigate the street’s merciless codes, becoming a powerful figure within its realm.
The play culminates in the children’s arrest, where their haunting stories unfold from behind bars in a lyrical and moving tapestry of pain, survival, and lost innocence. Through its raw realism and profound empathy, the play shines a light on the often invisible lives of street children, urging understanding and change.
Written and Directed by: Rania Refaat
Songs by: Mahmoud Abdel Razek Gomaa
Music by: Essam Nasser
Costume Design by: Reem Shaheen
Puppet Creation, Manipulation, and Acting by: El-Pergola Team
