Many sculptors say they tease the figure out of a rock when they create an artwork. And perhaps the UAE has done something similar; from an oasis swept under sand to the metropolis we see today, the journey began with the rulers seeing potential and then realising it.
Now, as the emirates celebrate their 46th National Day, plans are afoot across the country to celebrate victory over elements and journey into progress.
Sharjah is kicking off the long weekend with an operetta, in Arabic, called Nation of Light, on November 30 at 8pm, at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah.
Travel through time, space and events with artists Hussain Al Jasmi, Oreib, Samera Ahmad, and Ahmad Al Jasmi when the five-act show is staged.
“I think everyone should expect a wonderful evening full of family-friendly entertainment and national pride,” explains Khalid Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Committee for National Day, in an email interview with Gulf News tabloid! ahead of the event. He adds that “the level of talent that will be showcased on Thursday night is incredibly high”.
The idea for an operetta — or a light opera — has been in the works for some time; and the genre lent itself well to the moment. “Operettas are an interesting and unique form of entertainment that allow us to incorporate the songs and dances that are so popular with a story, in this case the story of our nation. [They] also [make] it more family-friendly [as an experience] than most operas as it a bit shorter and a lot of fun,” Al Midfa explains.
Besides, since the response to the genre had yielded a positive response last time — Sharjah previously hosted the Story of a Flag operetta in 2013 — the committee decided it was a good time to engage in some more storytelling magic.
Sharjah has undertaken a multitude of endeavours to educate the populace of its roots over the years; from Sharjah Heritage Museum visits to an interesting Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation establishment. However, if you’d like to wade into the rich waters of legacy, the Nation of Light offers a quick history lesson. And don’t worry, while the show is in Arabic, it’s been made with inclusivity in mind — if you don’t understand the language, there still is an explanation coming.
“Truly, I think the greatest achievement of the UAE, as we celebrate the 46th National Day, is our remarkable rise in such a short time and I think we are all very grateful to our leaders for creating such a prosperous nation for us to live in,” says Al Midfa.
And it’s a vibe that reverberating around the emirate. When asked about other initiatives Sharjah is taking to make December 2 special, Al Midfa had this to say: “All of the cities within the Emirate of Sharjah have begun their celebrations in Khorfakkan, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Bataeh, Al Hamriyah, Al Thaid and Kalba, with air-shows, military parades, fireworks and performances of all types all across the emirate. I think anyone who is in the UAE, regardless of where they’re from can look forward to enjoying a very exciting community celebration this National Day.”
Let the festivities begin.
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Don’t miss it!
Nation of Light runs on November 30 at 8pm, at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah, and is free to attend.
