Lebanon’s only opera troupe put on the opening public performance of a truly Arabic opera on the weekend of July 9-10. In doing so, the group didn't just want to put on a good performance - they wanted to show the world the best of Arabic culture, shaking up this often traditional art form in the process.
Lebanon Opera Showcases Rich Arab Culture
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The leading actors from Antar and Abla, which has performed for the first time in a theatre within Lebanon's grand Casino du Liban the weekend of July 9-10, 2016. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
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More than 80 actors and singers are involved in the performance. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
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Soprano Lara Jokhadar plays Abla, a princess who falls for Abla, a slave. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
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Antar, the hero of the opera, is played by well known performer Ghassan Saliba. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
