The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Authority announced the release of tickets for the exceptional new production "Blue of Yamama," the first opera produced in Saudi Arabia and the largest operatic production in the Arab world. The first performances of "Blue of Yamama" will take place from April 25, 2024, to May 4, 2024, with a total of 10 performances over 8 days.
This pioneering work is sponsored by the Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and is expected to be a pivotal moment in the flourishing cultural landscape of the Kingdom, reflecting the high artistic value of opera and its international appeal to art enthusiasts and cultural audiences worldwide.
"Blue of Yamama" derives its esteemed position in the cultural scene from its combination of the grand aesthetics of opera and an Arabic libretto that revolves around a story deeply rooted in Arab culture. The opera features unique operatic singing and captivating performances of well-known poetry and musical pieces inspired by prominent operatic compositions, alongside elements of Saudi music.
Regarding the significance of the work in the local, regional, and global cultural landscape, the CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, Sultan Al-Bazai, stated that "Blue of Yamama" embodies a lasting component of Saudi heritage, re-presenting the famous story within a contemporary framework suited to modern artistic trends and audience expectations.
Singing the opera in Arabic is a rare artistic phenomenon, as the vast majority of operatic works are presented in European languages. In addition to the language used, "Blue of Yamama" stands out as it narrates a culturally ingrained story familiar to all generations across the Arab world, giving it a special charm that allows audiences to connect with their personal experiences when they first heard the story and to relive the full details of the tale as it unfolds before them on the stage of the King Fahd Cultural Center through the performance and singing of the characters.
"Blue of Yamama" is the result of a collaboration among a brilliant group of international and Saudi artists who dedicated their efforts to produce a high-level operatic work that presents the story of Blue of Yamama, rich with strong dramatic twists, poetically charged moments, and epic confrontations. The text of the work was written by the Saudi poet Saleh Zamanan, a recipient of several local and international awards in poetry and theater. He drew inspiration from the historical narrative, adding his literary touch through poetry sung in operatic style.
The opera tells the story of Blue of Yamama, a renowned woman who lived in the pre-Islamic era in the region of Yamama in Najd, which was inhabited by the tribe of Jadis—of which Blue of Yamama belonged—and the tribe of Tasm, which held governance and sovereignty. The narrative unfolds the conflict between the two tribes, culminating in a tragic end that marked the end of the tribes' existence in Arab history, joining the ranks of the extinct Arab tribes.
The story is rich in suspense and moving tragedy, providing the choir and orchestra ample opportunities to captivate audiences eager for a distinct cultural experience that combines the deep-seated heritage with magnificent art.
