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29 March 2024

Mohammed's poems in 'Al Faris' pen the story of Arab leadership, say makers

Published
By Bindu Rai

A grand theatrical production based on the poems by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is set to enthrall audiences from January 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Combining cinema with live theatre, the musical odyssey of 'Al Faris' stars Ghassan Saliba in its title role, with GCC songstress Balqees making her theatrical debut as Shomoos.
Produced by Brand Dubai and directed by Marwan Rahbani, the makers call 'Al Faris' a symbol of Arab leadership, serving as modern-day knights for its people.
Addressing local media at the show's announcement, Salem Belyouha, Director, Media Development in the Government of Dubai Media Office, spoke about the show's conceptualisation, saying: "It is an honour to introduce this epic production, the first of its kind, inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's poems.
"The idea behind 'Al Faris' is Brand Dubai's efforts to provide qualitative avenues to reflect Dubai's efforts as a multicultural city."
The poems that form the backbone of 'Al Faris' have been selected by Sheikh Mohammed in part, said Belyouha, while a specialised team shortlisted the rest, narrating the story of a noble warrior who puts on his armour to fight the good fight in a bid to protect his people in a world surrounded by violence and hatred, while rescuing the one he loves in an epic romance.

Co-creator and music composer Ghadi Rahbani described the relevance of Al Faris' epic coming of age journey and its relevance in today's turbulent times, saying: "During a time of war, destruction and turbulence in the world at large, there is a glimpse of hope that is reflected from a pearl in the Gulf.

"This hope, symbolised in 'Al Faris', is perhaps Dubai's destiny to showcase to the Arab world at large. It is a message of peace, a reality that we dream of."

The production, which has seen its makers travel from Dubai to Beirut, London, Kiev and Kuala Lumpur, encapsulates a cast of 100 actors, with another 700 serving across as its crew, musicians, composers, technicians and more.

Director Marwan Rahbani added: "We have been working on this production for nearly a year now. And I will say this to all those who want to see this epic melodrama come alive on stage: do not miss the first three minutes of this one-act musical. Because if you do, you will not be able to understand the rest of the play."

Describing the play, he continued: "It is a fantasy, but you can't really say who is who. The characters are fuzzy, but it unfolds like a dream sequence in parts.

"We have also used cinema to compliment the live theatre, yet staying true of theme underlined by His Highness' poems."

Both leads, Balqees and Saliba, admitted they have worked hard on their lead performances, working "tirelessly" to get the Gulf accent correct.

Said Balqees: "This really is a milestone in my career, to work in such a historical production, that too a Rahbani one. I received a call six months ago and I immediately said yes."

Saliba, who is not new to a Rahbani production, added: "'Al Faris' is Arab leadership, with the leaders of today serving as real knights for their people. This political and humanitarian message in the show will reach out and touch everyone.

"Dubai is really lucky to have a leader who is also a poet."

Tickets for 'Al Faris' are on sale, available on Platinumlist.