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THE EXECUTIVE LIFE
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Best seat in the house

Finding a good seat at the Cairo Opera House can require as much coordination as the evening wear for the show. The multi-hall complex, built to replace the original opera house that burned down in 1971, consists of three main venues – the 1,200-seat Main Hall, the 500-seat Small Hall and the 600-seat Outdoor Theater. That’s plenty of seats, but selecting the best one really depends on what you’re looking for.

The Main Hall, where the most prestigious shows are performed, is divided into three levels. Ushers working in pairs are strategically positioned at the entry points of each level to guide you to your seat. The 436 seats on the Salle ground level are in high demand and even the 40 additional (and somewhat uncomfortable) side seats fill up fast.

The Fautueil Orchestre section, immediately in front of the stage, is considered the cream of all seating. The first three rows are usually reserved for VIPs, so it’s worth booking seats here if they’re available. If not, the Partere section further back is also good viewing, with less worries about craning your neck for extended periods. The section is better suited for ballets, where the visual emphasis is on scenography rather than the immediacy of the live action.

Moving up a level is the Loge, which has plush seats for 190 people and an additional 30 small side seats. Though marked down in price, the mid-section here offers an exceptional view of the entire stage. Suffice to say, the president’s VIP box is directly behind you.

Higher still is the Balcon, which has 194 seats but is too high and too distant from the stage to really enjoy the show. Latecomers are sent here until the intermission, when ushers fetch them and escort them to their proper seats.

The Baignoire section, which stretches around the sides of the Main Hall, resembles the private boxes in European opera houses. Don’t be fooled by the similarity in appearance – the seats here are priced down for a reason. If you have the misfortune of sitting here you’ll be lucky if you can see more than half the stage.

Though reserved for secondary performances, the Small Hall boasts a terrific theater. All 365 seats are on one gently sloping level that boasts an unobstructed view from almost every seat. In addition, the acoustics are impeccable.

During the summer months, the Main and Small halls close for refurbishment and the Open Air Theater becomes the primary venue. Some 400 chairs are set in rows in front of the elevated stage. Much more comfortable are the cushions laid out around the perimeter of the theater, which are usually the first to go and operate on a first-come first-served basis. The laid-back outdoor theater is popular with the younger crowd, who flock to its shows from July to September.

But wherever you choose to sit, you needn’t worry about distractions as the Cairo Opera House collapses all mobile phone networks within the vicinity of the two theaters during show time. So, should you neglect to switch off your phone, they’ll do it for you.

HOUSE RULES
• Reservations must be made in person
• Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie in the Main Hall
• Children under seven years will not be admitted
• Don’t tip the ushers. It’s considered bad form
• Sold tickets will not be exchanged or refunded
• Concessions are available for students
• Beverages are offered during intermissions
• The cloakroom is free of charge

WALEED MARZOUK

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