As a writer, Sondos Shabayek focuses on exploring, exposing, and discussing social taboos in Egyptian society. In 2011, in the aftermath of the Egyptian revolution, her passion for uncovering and sharing true stories of the protestors led her to create Tahrir Monologues, a street performance using individuals’ accounts to recreate the 18 days in Tahrir Square.
As part of the Monologues intiative, Sondos offers acting classes, allowing people to perform their own real life stories and experiences of this pivotal juncture in Egypt’s history. By providing training and an accessible platform, Sondos also aims to empower marginalized communities, giving them the necessary tools to express themselves.
In an environment usually dominated by media and political commentators, Sondos is using theatre to broadcast a broad spectrum of everyday people’s personal reflections on events so often viewed from an impersonal, bird’s eye perspective. Sondos tours with Tahrir Monologues nationally and internationally: in theatres, bookshops, metro carriages, and anywhere an audience exists.
New stories continue to be collected for future performances, creating an ever evolving dialogue concerning Egypt’s ongoing transformation.