Jewish Egyptian Star Lila Murad's Life Inspires New Musical

The life story of Lila Murad, the Jewish Egyptian singer and actress who achieved stardom across the Arab world, is being brought to the stage in a new musical. The production was created by Yaffa Tusia Cohen, a distant relative of Murad, who stated that Murad "paid a heavy personal price" and that it is important for her to be recognized in the Israeli cultural canon.

Born Lilian Mordechai to a Jewish family in Cairo, Murad became a cultural icon in the 1930s and 1940s. Her songs were popular from Baghdad to Casablanca, and she starred in box office hits with her then-husband, actor and director Anwar Wagdi, forming a high-profile couple in Egypt.

Despite her fame, Murad's life was challenging. She converted to Islam to marry Wagdi. Following the establishment of Israel and escalating tensions with Egypt, the Jewish community faced increasing hostility. Murad herself was accused of spying for Israel, which impacted her career.

Cohen, who previously created the successful one-woman show "Ana Faiza" about her mother Faiza Roshdi, expressed her interest in exploring the price Murad paid and her inner thoughts. "It is important to me that Egyptian and Eastern culture in general be part of the Israeli canon," Cohen emphasized, noting that many people were unaware of Murad's significance despite her key role in the culture and community.

The new musical will premiere on the 19th of the month at the Dofek Theater in Petah Tikva, with subsequent performances in November and December at the Cameri Theater Cafe in Tel Aviv.