The epic and bloody history of the Crusades, stunningly re-enacted with handmade puppets

The Egyptian artist Wael Shawky investigates the present-day situations in the Arab world through history, myth and fantasy. The “Cabaret Crusades” is inspired by “The Crusades Through Arab Eyes” by Lebanese historian Amin Maalouf, charting the European military campaigns in the Holy Land centuries ago. Comprising three parts (“The Horror Show Files,” “The Path to Cairo” and “The Secrets of Karbalaa”), this is the first ever screening in Japan of the entire sequence. Shawky’s version of the Crusades is re-enacted using classical Arabic and various puppets, including old marionettes, custom-made ceramic figures, and hand-blown glass models. The cast of puppets brilliantly brings the violent and highly topical history to life.

Running Time: 225 min. (Part 1: 30 min. / Part 2: 60 min. / Part 3: 120 min.) (with 15-minute interval)
Language: Arabic with Japanese and English subtitles