RIYADH: The Theater and Performing Arts Commission has said that the Saudi opera Zarqa Al Yamama, the first grand opera in Arabic, will be performed at the King Fahd Cultural Center, premiering on April 25, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The event, to be organized under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, will be a turning point for the buzzing scene of Saudi culture, given the high artistic value of opera and the interest of audiences and art connoisseurs from around the globe.
Opera sung in Arabic would be a rare artistic event, as the vast majority of operatic works are often presented in languages spoken in Europe, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Zarqa Al Yamama distinguishes itself through the mesmerizing performance of the most famous sung poems and musical passages inspired by prominent operatic compositions, in addition to Saudi music elements.
Theatre and Performing Arts Commission CEO Sultan Al-Bazie said Zarqa Al Yamama opera embodies a well-established element in Saudi Arabia’s heritage and represents the famous story in a contemporary framework that is compatible with modern artistic trends and the aspirations of the people.
Zarqa Al Yamama will be arranged in cooperation between Saudi and international artists. Saudi poet Saleh Zamanan, who acclaimed several local and global awards for his poetry and plays, wrote the text of the opera inspired by the historical plot, adding his literary touch to it.
Story of Zarqa Al Yamama
The opera tells the story of Zarqa Al Yamama, the heroine who lived in the pre-Islamic era in the Al-Yamama region, Najd, where certain reasons caused her tragedy-filled historical tale.
The story is a poignant tragedy with breathtaking suspense, delivered in state-of-the-art theatrical production filled with sweeping orchestral movements and mesmerizing choral performances that bring a different cultural experience to the audience.
The production will run from April 25 to May 4, including of ten performances in eight days.
