By Rana Azeem | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is preparing for a historic cultural moment with the premiere of “Zarqa Al-Yamama”, the Kingdom’s first grand opera in Arabic. The much-anticipated event will open on April 25 at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.
A Cultural Milestone for Saudi Arabia:
Unlike most operas performed in European languages, “Zarqa Al-Yamama” will be entirely sung in Arabic. This marks a groundbreaking moment for the Saudi cultural scene, reflecting the nation’s growing dedication to the performing arts.
The event is held under the patronage of the Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and is organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission. According to the commission, this production signifies a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s artistic development, positioning opera as part of the country’s broader cultural revival.
The Story of Zarqa Al-Yamama:
The opera is based on the legendary figure Zarqa Al-Yamama, a woman from the Al-Yamama region of Najd who lived during the pre-Islamic era. The story follows her as she becomes entangled in a tragic dispute between her tribe and a rival group.
The libretto, written by acclaimed Saudi poet Saleh Zamanan, draws from classic sung poems and merges traditional Saudi music with operatic elements. Zamanan’s work adds a fresh literary layer to this well-known historical tale.
A Contemporary Theatrical Experience:
“Zarqa Al-Yamama” promises audiences a breathtaking theatrical experience, featuring:
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Sweeping orchestral movements, Mesmerizing choral performances, State-of-the-art stage production
According to Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the opera blends Saudi heritage with modern artistic expression, appealing to contemporary audiences while preserving cultural roots.
Celebrating Saudi Talent in Opera:
The opera also highlights the growth of musical performance in the Kingdom. Three prominent Saudi singers—Sawsan Al-Bahiti, Khayran Al-Zahrani, and Reemaz Oqbi—take on major roles in the production.
Sawsan Al-Bahiti’s Role:
Sawsan Al-Bahiti, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first professional opera singer, plays a pivotal role as the bridesmaid. She describes this as a crucial moment in the opera where the narrative takes an intense, thrilling turn.
Al-Bahiti shared her excitement:
“From the day I started training as an opera singer in 2008, I dreamed of performing in an original Saudi opera sung in Arabic. That day has finally come, and even sooner than I expected.”
Her participation symbolizes the evolution of the Saudi opera scene, providing inspiration for future generations of performers.
Performance Schedule
“Zarqa Al-Yamama” will run from April 25 to May 4, with a total of 10 performances scheduled at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.
A New Era for Performing Arts in Saudi Arabia:
The launch of “Zarqa Al-Yamama” reflects the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and cultural sectors. This opera is not only a landmark in Saudi music history but also a symbol of the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its cultural offerings and nurturing local talent.
