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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Maxime Chami plays Mared Tay, the villain of the opera. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
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Antar and Abla is based on an epic poem thought to date back to the 6th century. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
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Maestro Maroun Rai, in the foreground, is one of the main figures behind the production. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
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Middle Eastern music is also incorporated into the score for Antar and Abla. (Photo: John Owens for VOA)
