A new musical theatre production, “The Rose of Seville: The Bride’s Crown,” opened this week at the Damascus Opera House, blending dance, drama and live music in a cross-cultural story linking Andalusia and Syria.
Written by Mohammad Omar and directed by Ahmad Zuhair, the production is a collaboration between the Opera House, the Dance Theatre Company, and the Syrian Mosaic Organization. It aims to revive Syria’s musical theatre scene after years of conflict.
The story follows Wajida, a woman from Seville whose life unravels after the city’s fall, caught between Alfonso, a conquering noble who loves her, and Jabiro, a Gypsy who captures her heart. The work reflects on the loss of cities and identity, drawing parallels between Andalusia’s decline and modern migration to Europe.
Music by Mohammad Habbash combines Arab, Andalusian and Gypsy themes, while choreography by Ranim Malt fuses Spanish, Arab and contemporary dance styles.
Performers include Nawar Bulbul, Nahed Al-Halabi, Walid Al-Dabbas and Ghassan Al-Dabbas, supported by a young ensemble from Syria’s performing arts institutes.
Lighting designer Maher Harbash and a team of visual artists created moving sets and projections evoking Seville’s spirit and its echoes in Damascus.
Director Zuhair said the project “seeks to overcome production challenges and reconnect Syrian theatre with global cultural dialogue.”
The performances continue for three nights at the Damascus Opera House.
