The tumultuous political situation that has transformed Egypt in under two years has created wide tensions and unease amongst a population weary from civil unrest.
In the country's capital city, however, one societal sector that has boomed as a result of what Egyptians refer to as "The Revolution" is the arts.
Eliezer Sherman
Street performers cool off Cairo tensions.
Eliezer Sherman
The tumultuous political situation that has transformed Egypt in under two years has created wide tensions and unease amongst a population weary from civil unrest.
Eliezer Sherman
In the country's capital city, however, one societal sector that has boomed as a result of what Egyptians refer to as "The Revolution" is that of artists.
Eliezer Sherman
Centered in downtown Cairo - where the flashpoint Tahrir Square and many of the nation's most important government buildings sit - local artists say the scene is small but intimate.
Eliezer Sherman
One group, a loose cooperative called Mahatat, carried out a street performance two days after Egyptians nationwide headed to the polls to vote for their new president in what many are calling Egypt's first fair and open race.
Eliezer Sherman
The street acts were lighthearted and warm, attracting passersby as well as those in the know of the city's arts life.
Eliezer Sherman
Wacky clowns danced on street corners, and a colorful percussive quintet drew crowds from the street.
Eliezer Sherman
The otherwise unobtrusive building on one of Downtown Cairo's major avenues, in which dancers and poets performed their art, drew crowds.
Eliezer Sherman
While not necessarily political by nature, some of the acts, such as the quintet, carried political undertones.
Eliezer Sherman
One performance groups called on patrons to "show their colors."
Eliezer Sherman
The group "locked up" a man dressed in black, who threatened the free-spirited individuality of the musicians.
Eliezer Sherman
The act, however simple, was met with uproarious applause.
Eliezer Sherman
Members of the community who had come to share in the semi-spontaneous event celebrating freedom, expression and individuality.
Centered in downtown Cairo - where the flashpoint Tahrir Square is located and many of the nation's most important government buildings sit - local artists say the scene is small but intimate.
One group, a loose cooperative called Mahatat, carried out a street performance two days after Egyptians nationwide headed to the polls to vote for their new president in what many are calling Egypt's first fair and open race.
The street acts were lighthearted and warm, attracting passersby as well as those in the know of the city's arts life. Wacky clowns danced around a street corner, and a colorful percussive quintet drew crowds from the sidewalks into an otherwise unobtrusive building on one of Downtown Cairo's major avenues, in which dancers and poets performed their art.
While not necessarily political by nature, some of the acts, such as the quintet, carried political undertones, with the drummers calling on patrons to "show their colors," and eventually "locking up" a man dressed in black who threatened the free-spirited individuality of the musicians.
The act, however simple, was met with uproarious applause, and clear appreciation by members of the community who had come to share in the semi-spontaneous event celebrating freedom, expression and individuality.