Today I stumbled upon an interesting story that I’m sure I will return to.

Ahmed Na’eem, builds and designs marionettes in a small workshop crammed under one of the Cairo’s main high-ways. It’s a skill that he acquired working in puppet theaters and through formal training in London.

Now he helps teach new marionette makers while helping to put on shows for El Sawy Culturewheel. He says that since has returned to Egypt he’s seen a slight resurgence in puppetry with troupes forming from about 20 professionals to perform at children’s parties and events.

Ahmed is a artist that pushes the bounderies of the craft, while he has built many marionettes over his career with his latest puppets he continues to add new features and solve engineering problems.  One of his favorite creations is a belly-dancing puppet with special strings and joints to help flex her hips.

He has befriended all the people that hang around his little workshop, including the cat which he has trained to jump from one car to another.

I don’t know where this will go, but I’ll continue working on it for a few more visits.