It's Not Your Fault (Arabic Edition): Five New Plays on Sexual Harassment in Egypt

This collection of original short plays by debut Egyptian playwrights addresses sexual harassment and assault in Egypt, breaking social taboos and offering perspectives from survivors and perpetrators. The plays were awarded the Times Higher Education 2023 MENA Award for Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and performances are royalty free.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Sexual harassment and assault are pervasive issues in Egypt, with victims facing a lack of legal protection and support. This collection of original short plays, written by Egyptian students from the American University in Cairo in collaboration with Jillian Campana and Dina Amin, aims to address these issues head-on. The plays, which are the first published works in Egypt to directly address sexual harassment, explore the experiences of survivors from various perspectives, including families, couples, bystanders, victims, and perpetrators.

The characters in the plays are diverse, representing different social backgrounds and economic statuses. Despite their differences, they all face the same challenges of sexual harassment and violence, which are often perpetrated by strangers, acquaintances, friends, and even family members. The plays tackle a range of topics, including verbal, non-verbal, physical, and visual violence, and shed light on the societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate these crimes.

One of the key themes of the plays is the power imbalance between men and women, which contributes to the prevalence of sexual harassment. The characters often struggle with their own identities and the pressure to conform to societal expectations, which can lead to them being subjected to unwanted advances and harassment. The plays also explore the impact of sexual harassment on the victims and their families, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it can take.

The research on which this book is based was conducted by the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights and Gender Equality in collaboration with the American University in Cairo. The center conducted interviews with survivors of sexual harassment and assault, as well as with legal experts, activists, and policymakers. The findings of the research were used to inform the writing of the plays, which aim to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories and raise awareness about the issue.

The plays are accompanied by narrative commentary that places the events in context and seeks to challenge dominant perceptions about sexual harassment in the region. The commentary highlights the legal and social barriers that prevent victims from seeking justice and the need for systemic changes to address the issue. The plays will be of interest to artists, social science researchers, educators, and anyone interested in the issue of sexual harassment, and collaborative theater processes.

Overall, this collection of original short plays is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of survivors of sexual harassment and assault in Egypt. It provides a platform for these voices to be heard and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have been silenced by the pervasive culture of sexual violence.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781649032713
Edition number: Arabic ed.