The last evening of November in Cairo’s Dokki district was dedicated to contemporary European literature. Prominent figures of the Egyptian cultural scene read works by contemporary authors from Czechia, Slovakia and Germany.
The Czech Centre coordinated the first Egyptian edition of the Night of Literature together with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo, the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Cairo, and the Cairo branch of the Goethe-Institut. Additional partners included Sefsafa Publishing House, Booklet Coworking Space, as well as IDIA and Egypt Designers School.
The Night of Literature is based on a larger number of so-called reading venues, and logistics proved to be the main question mark. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with partners, all readings were ultimately located within comfortable walking distance, and audiences appreciated this new format.
During a single evening, Egyptian literature enthusiasts were introduced to works by Lucie Faulerová (Smrtholka), Monika Kompaníková (Piata loď), and Clemens Meyer (Die stillen Trabanten). Faulerová’s Czech novel Smrtholka resonated strongly despite its challenging central theme. For the occasion, the author also recorded a video answering questions about her writing.
