France handed the Knight medallion in arts and literature to Lebanese director and dance designer Walid Awni for his artworks since 1980 in addition to his work in the formation of the modern Egyptian theatrical dancing troupe and the establishment of the international festival in the same field four years ago, according to the daily al Ahram.
In a celebration held Thursday and attended by the Lebanese ambassador to Cairo, the artist was decorated by the French ambassador to Cairo Francois De Bavier. The celebration was also attended by Samir Farag, the Opera Agency head, Abdel Mine’m Kamel, head of music and opera sector, Salah Mire’i, Abdel Mine’m Talimah and the opera’s modern theatrical dancing troupe.
Two years ago, the former French Minister of Culture, Catherine Taska, decided to honor Awni by handing him the medallion.
Awni who is the head of Modern Dancing Festival in Cairo, the founder of the modern theatrical dancing troupe of the Egyptian Opera House and the designer of the dances for Yousef Shahin’s two films, al Muhager (Immigrant) and al Masir (Destiny), is a controversial artist and a searcher for non-traditional and mystery.
He won many prizes, medals and medallions throughout the course of his career. He also participated in the biggest Arabic and foreign festivals.
Awni’s latest performance has been Taht al Ard (underground) which was portrayed by the Egyptian Opera House modern theatrical dancing troupe, within the framework of the modern theatrical dancing festival which kicked off on May 5 and will continue till the end of Julay with the participation of four Scandinavian and four Egyptian troupes.
Earlier, he presented the show Sutrat al Najat Taht al Maqaad (Life Vest Under the Seat) performed by the Egyptian Opera House new theatrical dancing troupe, at the modern theater festival held in France in which more than 35 theatrical troupes from various countries participated.
Currently, Awni is gearing up for the dancing show Kalilah Wa Dimnah -- Albawaba.com
