History of Al Qawasim to captivate opera audience

posted on 21/02/2009: 108 views

In an aesthetic tribute to HH Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Ras al-Khaimah on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his accession, an opera is taking its final shape at the Cultural Centre Theatres here.

Rehearsals are in full swing to weave the spectacular musical drama in a captivating flow narrating the history of Al- Qawasim, thanks to an initiative from the RAK Department of Customs and Ports, the organisers of the event.

Renowned director Khalid Al Bannai burnt midnight oil revising the script as it is the first time he takes such a tantalising project of narrating the story of Al Qawasim, who played major role in the contemporary history of the region.

According to historians, the Qawasim emerged as a powerful group once the Omani 'empire' of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century was destroyed as a result of the Omani-Persian war which culminated in 1720.

The opera: 'House of Qawasim; House of Peace' will trace the gradual development of the centres of Qawasim power which resisted attempts of a number of invasions or colonial raids.

The power of the Qawasim was checked early in the nineteenth century by the British who eventually raided and destroyed Ras al-Khaimah and several other Gulf ports, leading to the General Treaty of Peace in 1819 which paved the way for the consolidation of the Trucial States.

Sheikh Saqr succeeded his uncle Sheikh Sultan bin Salim in1948 as the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah inheriting an emirate with little economic resources after the dwindling of the pearling industry.

With his faith and determination Sheikh Saqr slowly took the emirate into the shores of security, peace and prosperity.

Al Bannai said that the opera is part of a broader event named 'The Message of Allegiance', which will be presented to Sheikh Saqr on 6th March. The message expressing the love of the people of Ras Al Khaimah to their Ruler will carry 120,000 signatures made by citizens and residents in various emirates of UAE.

The lyrics for the opera by renowned poet Matar Ramadan has been given penetrating music by the composer Ibrahim Almas. A number of local young artists will participate in the staging of the spectacle at the Cultural Centre Theatre managed by the UAE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, crown prince and deputy ruler of Ras al-Khaimah will attend the event. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

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