Sharjah: A monumental artistic theatrical display called ‘The Clusters of Light’ will kick off the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations at the Open Majaz Island Theatre on March 26.
The performance is the culmination of the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah to celebrate the human values of Islam that promote peace and love which Sharjah seeks to reflect as a city, announced Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations, at the Sharjah International Government Communication Forum on Monday evening.
Running until April 5, the event will include an oratorio, which is a large musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists. The purpose of the event is to create a high-ranking artistic work serving Islam, clarifying its tolerant truth and promoting its human values represented by justice, love and peace, explained Shaikh Sultan.
He also added that the performance, which is written by the Saudi poet Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi and composed by the Bahraini artist Khalid Al Shaikh, will be the largest theatrical and musical production to be made. It will include more than 200 performers from around the world and will be led by four Arab stars — Hussain Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali Al Hajjar, and Mohammad Assaf. The oratorio will include a narration of the biography of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), from his birth until his death.
“Five epic performances will send the audience on a journey back to the times of darkness, struggle and challenges that led us to the beginnings of Islam and tell the story of great early accomplishments.”
The Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations will include around 24 heritage, tourism, cultural, and construction projects, as well as more than a 100 activities throughout the emirate over the coming year.
The Open Majaz Island Theatre, which is the first of its kind in the region, is the official venue for the celebrations. The semi-circular theatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman designs, covers an area of more than 7,200 square metres and was built at a cost of Dh120 million.
The venue can accommodate up to 4,500 spectators, with a vast viewing platform and a state of the art audio system. A Dh13 million bridge between the island and Khalid Lagoon Street has also been built to allow easy access for visitors.
