Cairo According to: Ahmed Radwan

An actor of the stage and the big screen, Radwan is the co-creator of the comedy club and interactive theatre Maktoob 3alina, as well as the improv school, Improv For All. His most recent roles include Shaarawy in the 2026 Ramadan Series, ‘El Nos El Tany’, Wael in the comedy series ‘Single Mother Father’, and El Dessouki in the star-studded Um Kulthoum biopic, ‘El Sett’.

On April 23rd & 24th, Radwan is bringing his latest play, ‘Between Two Poles’, to Cairo audiences at Rawabet Art Space. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Rabbit Hole’, Radwan’s adaptation finds moments of light in the midst of grief.

A place that means Cairo to me:

Helmeya El Gedida, where I was born and where the family home is. It’s a place that brings together different eras—Bab Tawila, Old Cairo, and El Khayamiya. We’re also near Sultan Hassan Mosque and Abdeen Palace, and the whole neighbourhood is filled with old houses from the time of the monarchy.

I remember my mother telling me stories about how our house once belonged to people connected to the royal family, and that their initials were engraved on the wooden shutters before my grandfather moved in. I especially love and remember playing in the veranda, something you don’t really find in homes today.Complete the following: Cairo is…

Always awake. Walking through Downtown, in particular, is enjoyable because of how diverse it is—it feels like a miniature version of Egypt. It also reminds me of theatre, since most of my plays were performed there. I see Downtown as the home of independent theatre and new ideas.What's your neighbourhood like?

I currently live in El-Manial. The idea of being on an island in the middle of Cairo, surrounded by the Nile from every direction, is something truly beautiful that isn’t fully appreciated. I love walking along the Nile with my headphones on, or riding my bike. Every time feels like a different kind of daydream and escape.Your go-to food spot?

Several places—I really love Koshary Abou Tarek, and I like Abu Ammar shawarma in Mohandessin.

I also miss standing at the ful cart next to the bank where I used to work on Champollion Street.Your go-to café or bar?

By day, I like Amor Perfecto. At night, I like to sit with friends at Pottery Café at the Om Kalthoum Hotel in Zamalek.Your go-to date spot?

Villa Belle Epoque in Maadi.What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

Rawabet Theatre. It’s an independent theatre where some very beautiful and artistic plays have been staged. Tell us a song that feels like Cairo.

Shabebeek – Mohamed Mounir What's a place in Cairo you wish you could revisit for the first time?

The pyramids.