The Theater and Performing Arts Authority is set to produce "Zarqa al-Yamama," the first Saudi opera and the largest Arab opera in the world. This massive performance will bring together both local and internationally acclaimed talents, showcasing operatic texts written in Arabic. The shows will begin in the capital, Riyadh, in mid-April under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, with a series of diverse artistic performances extending until early May.
Sultan Al-Bazai, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, emphasized that opera plays an active role in reaching new audiences and introducing the community to diverse art and culture. The performance of "Zarqa al-Yamama" represents a historic moment in the cultural journey of the Kingdom, inspiring a new generation of Saudi artists and showcasing the Kingdom's culture to a global audience.
The work's author and lyricist, poet and playwright Saleh Zamanaan, stated that "Zarqa al-Yamama" derives its story, spirit, and language from the history of the Arabian Peninsula, which the Kingdom predominantly represents today. He added, "I am extremely proud to write the opera as a significant artistic and aesthetic difference in the Kingdom and the wider Arab world," confirming that "the opera embodies a tragic and sorrowful story, depicting ancient history while symbolizing contemporary human sorrows in the Arab world; yet it will not be devoid of glimpses of hope and bright prospects for a happy tomorrow."
The unique artistic work tells the story of "Zarqa al-Yamama," a famous figure in Arab history during the pre-Islamic era, presenting a narrative of a woman from the Judhaym tribe with blue eyes and a unique ability to see from afar. In the well-known tale, "Zarqa al-Yamama" warns her tribe of an approaching massive army.
Global opera musician Lee Bradshaw will compose the melodies for this epic story, drawing inspiration from some heritage elements to create a contemporary work that combines orchestral and choral elements alongside stunning vocal performances featuring talented singers, led by renowned mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly in the role of "Zarqa al-Yamama." The cast includes nine outstanding talents in the Saudi music scene, such as Khayran Al-Zahrani, Sawsan Al-Buhiti, and Rimaz Al-Aqbi, who will share the stage with prominent international names like Cliff Bailey, Amelia Warzon, Serena Furnoquia, Baird Cataldo, and George von Bergen.
The distinguished theatrical production will feature the Dresden Symphony Orchestra performing the musical pieces, accompanied by the Czech Philharmonic choir, enriching the thrilling story with their enchanting voices, while Swiss director Daniel Finzi Pasca will handle the organization of the performance alongside special theatrical effects.
The Theater and Performing Arts Authority aims through this creative theatrical production to enhance Saudi theatrical activity and revive and reinterpret famous works and stories from Arabian Peninsula history in a contemporary and creative format, promoting international cultural exchange as one of the objectives of the national cultural strategy in the Kingdom.
