The Egyptian revolution was not just about the desire to change the political system. It was – most importantly – the expression of the accumulation of decades of oppression, deception, insecurity, violence, inefficiency and depression. Mixing fiction and non-fiction, Before The Revolution transports its audience to the moment of stagnation before an inevitable eruption.  Cairo-based Temple Independent Theatre Company creates new Arab theatre that is sensitive to the contemporary context in both form and content. Previous work, also written and directed by Ahmed El Attar, continues to tour internationally.