Egyptian adaptations of Shakespeare clashed with local performance conventions

Evidence

The most interesting accusation is leveled against Khalil Bey Matran, at that time one of Egypt’s most famous poets, for not adapting more of Shakespeare’s plays into Arabic. Matran defends himself by saying the three plays he did adapt were performed so poorly by George Abyad, or were implanted with Egyptian music and dances when performed by Shaykh al-Hijazï and were in such poor taste, that he resolved never again to subject Shakespeare to Egyptian directors. The judges acquit Matran and thank him for his sensitivity to Hamlet. — Eve M. Troutt Powell, A Different Shade of Colonialism_…, 948

Categorization

• QUESTION: This captures a real tension between imported European high culture and Egyptian theatrical practice — a microcosm of cultural colonialism worth exploring.
• CANDY: A famous Egyptian poet refused to adapt more Shakespeare because local directors and music ruined the plays — vivid, quotable anecdote.