Bringing a spellbinding performance with a pioneering West End cast and otherworldly music to the stage, Rumi: The Musical takes flight from its star-studded debut in London and travels home to Doha for a captivating two-night-only concert at the annual D’reesha Festival of Performing Arts.

In a one-hour special of the original show, which was co-created by renowned Qatari composer, songwriter and symphonic artist, Dana Al Fardan, and prominent British-Lebanese theatre actor, singer and writer, Nadim Naaman, Rumi will be one of the most illustrious and anticipated theatre performances in Doha whilst the global gaze is on Qatar for the FIFA World Cup™.

With one of the most diverse and inclusive casts in the history of the London West End, the talented people who brought this critically acclaimed musical to life at the London Coliseum will now visit Doha to give the home audience the chance to marvel at the show’s music, set design and storytelling first hand.

Musicians from London will be performing with musicians from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and Qatar Music Academy alongside world-renowned Korean pianist, Sonja Park.

Bringing a Middle Eastern poet to the global stage

Based on the life story of 13th-century philosopher and poet Jalal Eldin El Rumi written by Evren Sharma, this is Dana and Nadim’s second theatre show and their second time bringing a Middle Eastern poet onto the global stage. The show’s cast also reflects its ties to the MENA region and many of the countries through which Rumi had actually travelled himself. This was part of Dana and Nadim’s answer to the calls for greater representation and diversity in the West End.

At its London debut, Rumi: The Musical opened to a full house and spectacular reviews, as distinguished guests were left in awe of the story they witnessed unfold on stage.

Described by Dress Circle Antics as a truly gorgeous musical, with music, lyrics and everything to match – a truly unforgettable theatrical experience, Rumi: The Musical is produced by the acclaimed Ali Matar who joins the highly-commended director Bronagh Lagan in bringing the epic and moving musical to life.

The legacy of Rumi already touched millions around the world over eight centuries and has inspired all nationalities, ages, faiths and backgrounds alike. This powerful musical examines the transformative relationship between Rumi and his mentor Shams, and how this extraordinary friendship transitioned Rumi from a traditional scholar to become a philosopher and a poet.

D’reesha Performing Arts Festival

With its deep-rooted story and range of artistic elements, the concert could not be debuting at a more fitting event in Doha than at the annual D’reesha Performing Arts Festival.

Taking place at Oxygen Park in Education City, the annual festival is a place where visitors can experience Arab and Islamic culture through music, theatre, poetry, storytelling, and more, in a family-friendly atmosphere. There will also be a Torba Farmers’ Market where visitors can buy products, snacks and coffee from local vendors.

Speaking on the musical’s Qatar debut, Dana Al Fardan said the World Cup has been a unique experience for the world, one which bridged the gap and promoted unity and tolerance.

It provided a platform for our voices to be heard and appreciated, as a Qatari artist it is the greatest honour to bring my musical to my home country on this momentous occasion.

Nadim Naaman, co-writer and one of the leading actors in the musical, said he wishes for the Middle East to be seen as a thriving home for the arts, too.

I’m hugely proud and excited for my co-writer Dana Al Fardan to be able to present this musical in her home nation and hope that our audiences will find in it inspiration to explore music and theatre.

Rumi: The Musical follows Dana and Nadim’s 2018 debut musical Broken Wings, which premiered in the West End’s Theatre Royal Haymarket before touring the Middle East.

For more details and for ticket information, visit the Marhaba calendar listing for Rumi: The Musical. 

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