Dr. Shimaa’s multifaceted career as a faculty member, critic, dramatist, and director showcases a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to promoting cultural exchange and understanding. With a rich educational background and extensive experience in the realms of drama and journalism, Dr. Shimaa has emerged as a leading figure in both Indian and Egyptian arts and culture. However, her journey has not been without its trials, marked by struggles against discrimination and a fight for academic and personal rights.
Academic and Professional Milestones
Dr. Shimaa holds a Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre Arts from Calicut University, India, where she focused on comparing Eastern drama and theatre to Western traditions, ritual theatre, and the latest trends. She also pursued higher studies in Sanskrit and Indian Aesthetics at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Art and Culture. Her academic journey includes post-graduate and bachelor’s degrees in Drama and Theatrical Criticism from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, Academy of Arts, Egypt, where she graduated with honors.
Her training spans various professional development programs and workshops, including the Indian National Faculty Development Programme and workshops on Egyptian diplomacy and cultural exchange. These experiences have enriched her understanding of diverse cultural narratives and enhanced her pedagogical approaches.
Contributions to Theatre and Literature
Dr. Shimaa’s contributions to the world of theatre are extensive. She has directed and written for performances such as “Horus” in Kerala, India, and served as a dramaturge for numerous productions in Cairo, including “Gods Are Angry,” “The Muzzle,” “Vigaro,” “Habazlam Bazaz,” “Two Maids,” and “Iphigenia.” Her work often intertwines traditional art forms with contemporary narratives, breaking cultural and religious barriers.
In the literary domain, Dr. Shimaa has authored notable works such as the novel “Eyes of the Devil,” the sarcastic “The New Japanese Horoscope,” and “Cool Letters.” Her published research includes “Selected English in India,” “Postdramatic Theatre,” and “Modern and Post-Modern Echoes of Ancient Egyptian Theatre,” among others. These works reflect her deep analytical skills and her ability to draw connections between ancient and modern theatrical traditions.
A Voice in Journalism and Academia
Dr. Shimaa has also made significant contributions to journalism, serving as a columnist and editor for various prestigious Egyptian newspapers, including Al-Wafd, Al-Qahera, and Al-Mesa. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of executive editorial manager at Ebn Loqman for Publishing, where her editorial vision continues to shape critical discourse.
As a lecturer and resource person, Dr. Shimaa has engaged with universities across India and abroad, sharing her expertise in drama and criticism. Her lectures focus on Eastern drama compared to Western traditions, ritual theatre, and the latest trends. She has also volunteered extensively in Indian educational institutions, training teachers on how to use arts in education and innovative teaching methods through art, collaborating with organizations like the U and I Foundation and Smile Foundation.
Struggles and Advocacy
Despite her impressive achievements, Dr. Shimaa’s journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly during her academic tenure in India. She faced severe discrimination and isolation while creating a new theory based on Sanskrit as a postcolonial approach. This innovative work encountered resistance and lack of support from her institution. The common people, however, embraced her efforts. Despite her different perspective, she was made to wait for two years to get her degree, facing numerous administrative hurdles and warnings whenever she asserted her rights. This period of adversity highlighted the lack of infrastructure and the cruel training course imposed upon her.
The discrimination Dr. Shimaa encountered was deeply rooted in caste and cultural biases, raising critical questions about faith, humanity, and the position of scholars in environments resistant to change and diversity. Upon returning to Egypt, Dr. Shimaa continued to face resistance, particularly concerning her work on Girish Karnad’s “Flowers.” The opposition from less open-minded individuals underscores the broader challenges faced by those who push the boundaries of traditional artistic and cultural expressions.
A Legacy of Cultural Advocacy
Inspired by her father, a renowned writer and poet known for his intellectual and sarcastic prowess, Dr. Shimaa strives to leave a meaningful imprint on the fields of art and culture. Her career objectives are firmly rooted in the desire to bring about significant transformation, drawing from her father’s literary and cultural legacy.
Through her work, Dr. Shimaa advocates for justice and the dismantling of barriers that hinder artistic and academic progress. Her experiences with discrimination have only strengthened her resolve to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and tolerance within the arts and beyond.
A Call for Change
Dr. Shimaa’s journey is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Her story is one of breaking boundaries and advocating for change in the spheres of drama, criticism, and cultural exchange. As she continues to navigate the challenges of her field, Dr. Shimaa remains a powerful voice for those who face similar struggles, calling for a more just and inclusive world.
In her own words, the journey is one where “barriers are untreatable, and the concerned sometimes give us silent treatment, consuming time and life.” Yet, her call for salvation and transformation resonates deeply, inspiring others to join in the fight for a more equitable and vibrant cultural landscape. Despite obtaining her degree and Ph.D. certificate, the fight for recognition and justice continues, highlighting the resilience and tenacity required to pursue one’s passion against all odds.