It's Not Your Fault: 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: 112 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Sexual harassment and assault are pervasive issues in Egypt, with victims facing a myriad of challenges in seeking justice 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, marks a significant step in addressing these issues. The plays, which explore the experiences of survivors from diverse perspectives, challenge societal norms and shed light on the power dynamics that perpetuate sexual violence.

Sexual crimes are not confined to specific settings but occur in various contexts, including workplaces, streets, homes, and educational and religious institutions. Perpetrators can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, family members, or loved ones, and the types of sexual violence they perpetrate can range from verbal, non-verbal, physical, to visual. This collection breaks social taboos by offering dramatic texts that reflect the reality of survivors from multiple perspectives.

The women portrayed in these plays are diverse, with backgrounds ranging from independent and educated to marginalized and oppressed. They are all subjected to varying degrees of sexual harassment and violence, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of these issues.

Accompanied by narrative commentary that places the events in context, these plays and the issues they explore seek to challenge dominant perceptions about sexual harassment in the region. They highlight the power imbalances and disparities that contribute to sexual harassment and advocate for transformative change.

This collection will be of interest to artists, social science researchers, educators, and anyone passionate about addressing sexual harassment and assault. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of survivors and offers a platform for dialogue and action. Collaborative theater processes, which involve the participation of survivors and community members, are a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting change.

The research on which this book is based was conducted in collaboration with organizations such as the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. It highlights the need for legal reform, increased awareness, and support services for survivors of sexual violence. It also emphasizes the importance of engaging men and boys in the fight against sexual harassment and assault, as they are often the perpetrators or witnesses of these crimes.

In conclusion, 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 offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have faced unimaginable trauma and provides a platform for them to share their stories and advocate for change. By challenging societal norms and promoting transformative solutions, these plays contribute to the ongoing fight against sexual violence in Egypt and beyond.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781649032416