By: Yomna Walid
Ever wondered what it would be like to witness the sacred rites of ancient Egypt up close&mdash;to see, smell, and even take part in the mysteries of mummification?
What started as a series of academic lectures has transformed into Journey of Immortality, &lsquo;The Mummification Ritual in Ancient Egypt&rsquo;, a groundbreaking immersive production that goes far beyond historical reenactment. Over the course of two hours, the stage transforms into a sacred ceremonial space; &nbsp;incense drifts through the air, priests chant and the audience becomes part of the ritual, rediscovering ancient Egypt&rsquo;s profound vision of death and the afterlife.
The show arrives at a time of renewed national interest in embracing and reviving authentic Egyptian identity through language, customs, and spiritual traditions, challenging narratives that frame Egyptology as solely a foreign pursuit.&nbsp;
Helmed by Dr. Omar Al-Moataz Bellah, a renowned expert in ancient Egyptian art and performance, and Hoda Abdelaziz, a prominent media figure and Egyptology researcher, the production blends cutting-edge archaeological insight with powerful theatrical storytelling. Audiences leave not just with knowledge, but with the unforgettable sensation of having touched the spiritual heartbeat of one of the world&rsquo;s oldest civilizations.
Nile FM spoke with Hoda about her role in the project and the message behind it.
How did your involvement in Journey of Immortality come about? What inspired this idea?
Journey of Immortality is part of a larger ongoing project aimed at raising awareness around ancient Egyptian civilisation. We&rsquo;ve been working on a series of initiatives&mdash;exhibitions, lectures, and theatre &mdash; all focused on presenting different aspects of our heritage in accessible, engaging ways. We even founded a research centre called &ldquo;Osiris&rdquo; for heritage preservation and identity studies. One of our core themes is resurrection and immortality. We realised audiences didn&rsquo;t just want to watch history &mdash; they wanted to feel it.
How did it feel to be on stage reenacting such a profound ritual?
I felt a deep sense of pride. It wasn&rsquo;t just performance &mdash; it was legacy. Reconnecting people with their roots through this ritual made the experience incredibly personal and emotional.
Can you describe the staging and how you made it immersive?
We aimed for complete authenticity. The atmosphere was designed with exact replicas of ancient Egyptian items &mdash; coffins, ritual tools, even a handmade censer and a replica mummy. Some props we had to create ourselves because they no longer exist. The lighting was warm and flickering, evoking torchlight, and the soundtrack included ancient Egyptian language. We also choreographed how the audience would interact with the space. Every detail was deliberate.
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Was this your first time working in immersive theatre?
Yes, and it was a challenge. It required a different kind of storytelling &mdash; one where the audience isn&rsquo;t just watching but participating. The payoff was incredible. After the show, many people told us they finally felt the information rather than just hearing it.
Any moment that stayed with you?
Definitely. At the end, we invited attendees to say aloud the names of loved ones who had passed. That moment of reflection and connection made the ritual deeply personal for each person in the room. It was powerful &mdash; many shared their experience on social media afterwards.
How did you ensure scientific and historical accuracy?
We worked closely with new archaeological findings and visual references. As a fine arts graduate, I&rsquo;m passionate about visual storytelling. We took academic content and translated it into sensory, immersive visuals &mdash; something you don&rsquo;t forget.
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You work across research, media and education. How did those paths come together here?
It was very organic. I studied fine arts, worked in broadcasting, pursued postgraduate studies in modern teaching methods, and specialized in Egyptology. This project allowed me to bring all of that together &mdash; knowledge, storytelling, and presentation &mdash; in one unified form.
Do you see Journey of Immortality as the start of something bigger?
Absolutely. Each show can explore a new part of Egyptian heritage &mdash; and each experience should feel fresh, never repetitive. We want audiences to leave inspired, curious and proud of their roots. This is only the beginning.
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What message did you hope to share &mdash; and how did the audience respond?
That pride in identity is powerful. When people connect with who they are and where they come from, it changes how they live. The response has been wonderful &mdash; heartfelt, open, and emotional. I&rsquo;m deeply grateful to the venues that supported us and to the audiences who embraced the experience.
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