The dancers may not be able to hear the music, but they can feel it. Through a listening technique introduced to the members by the Troupe's Founder (Arts and Theatre Teacher Reda Abd el-Aziz), dancers react to the changing tempo of vibrations running through the floor from the speakers. It's a method inspired by the 18th-century composer Ludwig van Beethoven who, when he began losing his hearing, was able to experience his compositions by feeling for vibrations off of his piano.

“I train each and every one of the Troupe Members by tapping on the back of their palms or their shoulders the tempo of the music, so that when they are on stage they can feel the vibrations off the base speakers and are guided by the music's tempo. I also translate the moods of the music into sign language, to make them understand the acts we are playing and to ensure a harmonic performance,” said Abd el-Aziz.

Founded in 2005, Ferqet el-Samteen (commonly known as the Egyptian Deaf and Mute Modern Dance Company) is the first performance group of its kind in the world. It includes 30 members, ranging in age from 16-23, all of whom are hearing impaired. They dance under the inspiring motto, 'We can talk to the world through art and creation'.

Through the work of Ferqet el-Samteen, Abd el-Aziz hopes to create a culture that appreciates people with special needs. By giving them opportunities in the arts when they are young, he broadens their career options.

Most importantly, Ferqet el-Samteen rescues the young dancers from social isolation. Their deafness becomes incidental, not defining.

Each show carries an important message. 'Small Wings', the Troupe's debut, conveys the challenges that children with disabilities face. To symbolize their isolation, the dancers hid in white shells. 'Friendly Fire' promoted a UNICEF campaign to stop drugs and smoking, and 'Angels Also Die' was about children suffering during wartime.

The Troupe has performed at Egypt’s top cultural venues, such as the Cairo Opera House, the French Cultural Centre and the Sawy Cultural Wheel.  It has also been featured on TV and covered widely in the press.

Still, there's hope for Ferqet el-Samteen, as it continues to gather positive attention. Art critic - Rafik el-Saban, the late German Theatre Director - Pina Bausch, and the Italian Dancer and Choreographer- Samira Nur el-Ain have all praised the Troupe. In fact, Nur el-Ain who specializes in Arabic dancing, plans to visit the members of Ferqet el-Samteen in September with a group of Italian dancers to give workshops and learn about Ferqet el-Samteen's unconventional methods.

Nur el-Ain will also join the Troupe in two performances: 'Cleopatra', in which she will play the lead, and 'Tears of Joy', the Troupe's most famous folk-loric dance show, which they plan to dedicate to Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, the leaders of modern Egyptian folk-loric dance.

Amr el-Gammel, a Music Editor and Composer who has worked closely with the Troupe for three years, expressed concern about the future of Ferqet el-Samteen. "The deaf and mute children are natural artists who have excellent skills and can follow the hardest melodies. They inspire people with peace and calmness. We should fight for their message to spread."

Al Masry Al Youm


#LISA