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PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

Article on Grand Opening of Ensaf & Rateba Rushdie's New Nightclub
October 24, 1935

 

Translated by Priscilla Adum

 

 

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Introduction

Ratiba and Ensaf Rushdie were multi-talented entertainers who sang, danced, and acted. They were very famous, along with their youngest sister Fatma Rushdie. Fatma was not only a stage and film actress, but also one of the pioneers of Egyptian film production.

Ensaf and Ratiba started their careers with Sayed Darwish, then worked with the el Rehani Theater group, and later with the Ali Kassar Theater group. These were all prestigious theater groups at the time.

The sisters opened their first club in 1929 in Cairo. In 1935 they opened their famous club on Alfi Bek street called Casino Ratiba and Ensaf Rushdie, which was announced in the article below that appeared October 24, 1935 on page 3 of Al Ahram.

Many of the same dancers that performed at Badia Masabni's club also danced at Casino Ratiba and Ensaf Rushdi, including Taheya Carioca and Zozo Lebeb.

They also ran a popular club in Asyut, Egypt.

Source:
Al Ahram
Thursday, October 24, 1935
Page 3

Click on the image below to see the advertisement in more detail.

Rushdie Sisters

 

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The Article

Opening of Casino Ratiba and Ensaf Rushdy

Caption Under the Right Picture

El Sayeda Ensaf Rushdy

Caption Under the Left Picture

El Sayeda Ratiba Rushdy

Tonight Mesdames Ratiba and Ensaf Rushdy will open their casino on El Alfi Bek Street. They've added many improvements and extras which have transformed it into a high class level casino among the casinos of the capital.

We knew that they were preparing wonderful surprises and luxurious stage decorations as well as entertaining programs for Cairo audiences.

We say congratulations to them and our best wishes for their success.

Rushdie Sisters

 

 

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About the Translator

Priscilla is a dancer of Lebanese heritage who enjoys researching the Golden Era of Egyptian dance. She owns a collection of more than one hundred classic black and white Egyptian films which is continually expanding.

Priscilla has also gathered a large library of dance related articles and clippings from Middle Eastern magazines and newspapers, many of which she has translated from the original Arabic to both English and Spanish.

Priscilla currently resides in Central America where she is a dance instructor. 

Priscilla

 

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