In a gesture honoring her rich artistic legacy, the administration of the Isis International Festival for Women in Theater announced that the late artist Samiha Ayoub's name will be given to the festival's third edition, scheduled to take place from September 25 to October 1, 2025.

This tribute aims to spotlight one of the most influential and iconic figures in modern Arab theater history.

Director and actress Abeer Lotfy, president of the festival, stated that naming this edition after the "Lady of Arab Theater" is a significant addition to the festival, which celebrates women's creativity in Egyptian and Arab theater. She emphasized that Ayoub was an inspiring model of artistic and cultural dedication, playing a vital role in developing the theatrical movement both as an actress and a director.

Lotfy noted that the late artist was the first woman to lead Egypt’s National Theater and the first female director to present a performance on its stage — a groundbreaking achievement during an era dominated by legendary theatrical figures, making her a true pioneer in Arab theater history.

Isis FestivalThe Isis International Festival is organized by the Jarat Al Qamar Foundation and includes a team of distinguished creatives such as director Abeer Lotfy, writer-director Abeer Ali Hazeen, writer and critic Rasha Abdel Moneim, along with Mostafa Mohamed and Mona Suleiman as executive directors. The festival is held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, reaffirming the state's support for arts and the empowerment of women through creativity.

About Samiha AyoubBorn in 1932, Samiha Ayoub is considered a pillar of Egyptian and Arab theater. She began her artistic journey in the 1950s and delivered dozens of influential theatrical works. Some of her most iconic performances include “Sikkat Al-Salama”, “Al-Sultan Al-Ha'ir” (The Confused Sultan), and “Al-Fata Mehran” (The Young Mehran).

She was known for her commanding stage presence and her deep portrayal of female roles that reflected societal issues and the struggles of the Arab individual.

Samiha Ayoub passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 93, after a decades-long career filled with groundbreaking artistic contributions.

News of her passing sparked widespread emotional reactions across social media, where users mourned her loss, shared memories of her timeless performances, and expressed profound admiration for her enduring artistic and human legacy.