The acclaimed Middle Eastern musical BROKEN WINGS, will be brought to the UAE for the very first time in January 2020 by Broadway Entertainment Group and Dubai Opera.

Based on Lebanese-born poet Kahlil Gibran’s 1912 autobiographical tale of the same name, the musical was written by Middle East duo Nadim Naaman and Dana Alfardan, directed by Bronagh Lagan and produced by Ali Matar, with orchestrations by Joe Davison.

The musical first made its debut in London’s West End in August 2018 to sold-out shows, followed by a stellar performance which took place in Lebanon during the famous Beiteddine Festival in July 2019, home to the late Khalil Gibran to whom this musical production pays tribute.

Set to open in Dubai with three performances taking place at Dubai Opera between 17 and 18 January 2020, BROKEN WINGS is a stunning piece of contemporary music written to showcase the richness of Arabic literature and philosophy, allowing international audiences access to the complexity and beauty of Middle Eastern art and performance.

Lebanese-British actor and writer Nadim Naaman, the co-writer of BROKEN WINGS said: “The Middle East has, for many years, received touring productions of many popular Western musicals and plays, but it is now time to create and enjoy the rich Middle Eastern heritage and culture on the stage. And more importantly, it is time for the rest of the world to enjoy artistic creations from this beautiful and historic region. Gibran himself was an international man, living between Mount Lebanon, Boston, Beirut, Paris and New York during his all-too-short life. We are pleased to bring BROKEN WINGS to audiences in our new home at the iconic Dubai Opera.”

Born and raised in London, Nadim Naaman is a British national of Lebanese origin. He studied at the University of Warwick (theatre and performance) before the Royal Academy of Music (musical theatre). He graduated with distinction, a DipRAM for outstanding achievement in performance, and the Ronald William White Prize for excellence in acting through song.

Chief Executive Officer of Broadway Entertainment Group, Liz Koops said: “We are thrilled to have the first modern Middle Eastern musical performing in Dubai in January. This internationally acclaimed masterpiece is a powerful portrait of immigration, gender relations and identity and we hope the audiences learn more about the beautiful story of ‘BROKEN WINGS’.”

The events of BROKEN WINGS highlight key issues of the time, yet the themes and debates raised remain increasingly relevant today, more than a century later; the fight for gender equality, the freedom to love whom we love, tradition versus modernity, wealth versus happiness, immigration and the importance of ‘home’.

Bringing the West End musical to Dubai for the first time aims to create a bridge between the East and West by blending the Middle Eastern story with a Western art form. It is also sets to bring cultures together and unite people through music and art.

Broken Wings is a poetic novel written in Arabic by Khalil Gibran and first published in 1912. An ageing Gibran narrates from his cold studio. Through poetry and music, he transports us back two decades and across continents, to turn-of-the-century Beirut. His eighteen-year-old-self returns to the Middle East after five years in America, to complete his education and discover more of his heritage. He falls deeply in love with Selma Karamy, the daughter of family friend and hugely respected local businessman, Farris Karamy. However, Selma soon becomes betrothed to Mansour Bey Galib, nephew of the powerful Bishop Bulos Galib, who has one eye on the Karamy family fortune. Gibran and Selma fight to reconcile their love for one another, whilst navigating the rules, traditions and expectations that their society lays before them.

Tickets are now on sale for 17 and 18 January 2020.

Performance Times
Friday 17 January at 8:00pm
Saturday 18 January at 3:00pm & 8:00pm
Priced from AED 295.

Visit one of www.dubaiopera.com, www.tickets.virginmegastore.me, www.dubai.platinumlist.net or www.dubaicalendar.ae to book or purchase your tickets. To purchase your tickets in person, visit Virgin Megastore, the Dubai Opera Box Office.

For more information please log onto: www.dubaiopera.com