The main hall of the 57th Cairo International Book Fair witnessed a prominent cultural event: a symposium entitled “Zarqa’ al-Yamama: The First Saudi Opera.” The symposium was not merely a celebration of an artistic work, but an in-depth dialogue about a unique artistic experience that blends a timeless Arab legend, the depth of poetry, and the sophistication of world-class opera, heralding the birth of a new chapter in the history of Saudi and Arab art.
The symposium was attended by a select group of the work’s creators, led by the poet and playwright Saleh Zamanan, soprano Dina Iskandar, director and critic Dr. Medhat El-Kashef, and Maestro Nayer Nagy. It was moderated by media figure Mohamed Fadel El-Qabbani, who emphasized that this meeting raises fundamental questions about identity, language, and the ability of Arabic opera to secure its place in the global cultural scene.
Who was Zarqa al-Yamama? A legend of foresight and tragedy
Before delving into the details of the opera, it is essential to return to the roots of the legend. Zarqa al-Yamama is a renowned figure in pre-Islamic Arab folklore, specifically from the Jadis tribe who inhabited the Yamama region (present-day central Saudi Arabia). She was famous for her extraordinary eyesight, which enabled her to see objects from vast distances. The tragedy of the legend lies in her warning her people of an approaching army, after seeing them carrying trees to conceal themselves. However, her people did not believe her and mocked her warning, resulting in the annihilation of the tribe. This tragic story of neglected insight and an unheard voice forms the dramatic core of the opera.
Strategic importance: Opera as part of Saudi Vision 2030
The production of the opera "Zarqa' al-Yamama," the first Saudi opera, comes within the context of a major cultural and social transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and represents a tangible embodiment of the goals of Vision 2030. The Vision seeks to diversify the economy and strengthen non-oil sectors, including the culture and arts sector. This ambitious project aims not only to present a world-class artistic performance but also to invest in local talent, build a performing arts infrastructure, and introduce Saudi and Arab heritage to the world in a universal artistic language. It is a step that establishes a new phase of ambitious Saudi cultural production and places the Kingdom on the global map of opera.
Technical challenges and global production
During the symposium, poet Saleh Zamanan revealed the journey of writing the text, which was based on poetry as a fundamental element of Arab civilization. He explained that the challenge lay in crafting a poetic text that would serve the operatic vocal drama and express the eternal sorrow in the voice of Zarqa al-Yamama. He noted that the project was a true adventure that spanned three years of work in three international cities, with the participation of creators from more than 20 countries, reflecting the global nature of the production. For his part, Maestro Nayer Nagy explained that training the foreign singers in correct Arabic pronunciation was a significant challenge that took two years, emphasizing that the poetic text played a pivotal role in shaping the musical structure. Soprano Dina Iskandar affirmed that singing opera in Arabic allowed her to explore new vocal possibilities and embody the tragic dimension of the character with depth. The evening concluded with a piano piece from the opera, accompanied by Maestro Nagy, offering the audience a glimpse into the magic of this historical work.
