Roshn Group, the PIF-owned giga-project and a leading Saudi real estate developer, has partnered with the national Theatre and Performing Arts and Commission to support the first Saudi opera, ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ (April 29-May 4) that is being held at the King Fahad Cultural Centre, Riyadh.

The group will be the presenting partner for what is said to be the largest ever opera performance in Arabic, that tells the story of the lead female character Zarqa Al Yamama, who lived during the pre-Islamic era in the Al-Yamama region, in central Saudi Arabia.

It follows her story through conflict between two tribes, which ends in tragedy. The opera features both Saudi and international artists, including Khairan Al Zahrani, Sawsan Al Bahiti, and Rimaz Aqbi, and was written by the award-winning poet and writer Saleh Zamanan.

“Culture and Arts give meaning to life and open up the possibility of new ideas and experiences,” said Ghada Alrumayan, Roshn Group’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

“It is fundamental to our quality in line with the goals of Vision 2030. As Roshn, we are delighted to sponsor the first ever Arabic-language opera Zarqa Al-Yamama, which will introduce this historical music tradition to the Saudi public.”

“The Theater and Performing Arts Commission appreciates the support shown by Roshn for our production of the opera Zarqa Al-Yamama,” added the Theater and Performing Arts Commission CEO Sultan Al-Bazei.

“This project has been years in the making and will be performed to international standards.

“We look forward to raising the bar when it comes to hosting new artistic genres and ideas and partnership with patrons such as Roshn as we look to achieve our strategy to enrich the Kingdom’s performing arts sector as set out by Saudi Vision 2030.” – TradeArabia News Service