متابعات
بالسعودية: بالصور… الرياض تحتضن العرض العالمي الأول لأول أوبرا عربية كبرى، “زرقاء اليمامة”/ د. خالد أمين
Riyadh witnessed the world premiere of the first Arab grand opera, “Zarqa Al Yamama,” on April 25th 2024. This Saudi-international collaboration, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and the Commission of Theatre and Performing Arts, tells the legendary tale of a woman renowned for her exceptional insight and wisdom. Weaving Arabian lore into a captivating narrative, the grand opera explores the story of Zarqa’ al-Yamama. Set in a verdant region threatened by a tyrannical king, the drama unfolds with Zarqa’ serving as both witness and seer. When she warns her tribe of an approaching army disguised as trees, her foresight is met with disbelief, leading to a tragic end. The opera delves into Zarqa’s enduring legacy, shrouded in the mysteries of time. This landmark production brought together a world-class team : music by Lee Bradshaw, libretto based on distinguished poet and playwright Saleh Zamanan’s original Arabic text, conducted by Pablo González with vocal coaching by Nayer Nagui. The Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra and Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno provided the musical foundation, guided by choirmasters Petr Fiala and Joel Hana. Daniele Finzi Pasca’s vision as Creative Director and Stage Director was realized through the talents of set designer Luigi Ferrigno, costume designer Giovanna Buzzi, lighting designer Daniele Finzi Pasca, and video designer Roberto Vitalini. Spearheaded by the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission’s CEO, Mr. Sultan Albazie, this historic premiere was commissioned and produced.
Shakespeare’s chilling prophecy in Macbeth, “Beware, Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane!”, remains a cornerstone of the play’s haunting power. Yet, a curious silence surrounds a potential source of inspiration. Despite centuries of literary criticism, the fascinating parallel with the much older prophecy of Zarqa al-Yamama has gone largely unnoticed. Emerging from the rich tapestry of Arabian lore, Zarqa’s story predates Macbeth by nearly two millennia. Like the cryptic warning delivered by the witches, Zarqa is said to have foreseen an approaching army disguised as trees. While the exact details of her prophecy may be shrouded in the mists of time, the core thematic elements resonate strikingly with Shakespeare’s play. Both narratives hinge on a disregarded premonition of danger, leading to tragic consequences. This lack of acknowledged influence invites intriguing speculation. Did Shakespeare, through exposure to travelogues or cultural interweaving, unconsciously echo this ancient Arabian tale ? Or perhaps the shared motif reflects the universality of the “prophecy fulfilled” trope, a narrative thread woven into cultures across the globe ? Unearthing a definitive connection between Zarqa and Macbeth may be impossible, given the passage of time and the nature of oral traditions in constant mobility, traveling across time and space. However, Zarqa’s tale, echoing through millennia, prompts a re-examination of Shakespeare’s inspiration.
Shakespeare’s chilling prophecy in Macbeth, “Beware, Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane!”, remains a cornerstone of the play’s haunting power. Yet, a curious silence surrounds a potential source of inspiration. Despite centuries of literary criticism, the fascinating parallel with the much older prophecy of Zarqa al-Yamama has gone largely unnoticed. Emerging from the rich tapestry of Arabian lore, Zarqa’s story predates Macbeth by nearly two millennia. Like the cryptic warning delivered by the witches, Zarqa is said to have foreseen an approaching army disguised as trees. While the exact details of her prophecy may be shrouded in the mists of time, the core thematic elements resonate strikingly with Shakespeare’s play. Both narratives hinge on a disregarded premonition of danger, leading to tragic consequences. This lack of acknowledged influence invites intriguing speculation. Did Shakespeare, through exposure to travelogues or cultural interweaving, unconsciously echo this ancient Arabian tale ? Or perhaps the shared motif reflects the universality of the “prophecy fulfilled” trope, a narrative thread woven into cultures across the globe ? Unearthing a definitive connection between Zarqa and Macbeth may be impossible, given the passage of time and the nature of oral traditions in constant mobility, traveling across time and space. However, Zarqa’s tale, echoing through millennia, prompts a re-examination of Shakespeare’s inspiration.
ملاحظة هامة:
سننشر لاحقا الترجمة للغة للعربية
