Dana Al Fardan, one of the Middle East’s leading contemporary composers, and West End star Nadim Naaman today announce that their second major stage musical, ‘Rumi: The Musical’ will get its world premiere at the London Coliseum in November 2021.
‘Rumi’, based on a story about the 13th century philosopher and poet Rumi by Evren Sharma, follows Al Fardan and Naaman’s 2018 debut ‘Broken Wings’, which premiered in the West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket before touring the Middle East.
The legacy of 13th century philosopher and poet Rumi has touched millions around the world and continues to make an impact in its universality and utilitarian nature; a legacy that has lasted eight centuries and has inspired all nationalities, ages, faiths, and backgrounds. But how did it all begin?
‘Rumi: The Musical’ examines the transformative and powerful relationship between Rumi and his mentor Shams Tabrizi, and how this extraordinary friendship, integral to Rumi’s development as both thinker and writer, impacted the lives of Rumi’s family, friends, and followers, contextualising many of his popular words and works.
‘Rumi: The Musical’ will premiere as a semi-staged concert at the London Coliseum on November 23 & 24. The live premiere follows the release of a full-length concept album on Broadway Records.
Led by Ramin Karimloo (as Shams Tabrizi) and Nadim Naaman (Rumi), Casey Al-Shaqsy (Kimya), Soophia Foroughi (Kara), the London Coliseum cast will comprise entirely of performers of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian heritage, and will also feature a 25+ piece orchestra, conducted by Joe Davison.
‘Rumi: The Musical’ features a grand score that combines Middle Eastern authenticity with classical influences and contemporary musical theatre, with lyrics derived from Rumi’s poetry; Orchestrated and Arranged by Joe Davison, with Vocal Arrangements by Nikki Davison.
Dana Al Fardan said: “Writing ‘Rumi’ felt like a blessing, during a period of so much upheaval in the world. The show’s emphasis is on looking within ourselves and accessing the abundant sphere of creative force which shapes our conception of reality. It has been such a healing journey and I can’t wait to share our show with audiences at The London Coliseum.”
Nadim Naaman said: “We were so thrilled with the response to the release of the Rumi concept album earlier this year, and to its unique qualities as a piece of theatre. I am so grateful that we now have live performances to look forward to, particularly after the challenges we have all faced as an industry in the recent past. We are hugely grateful to everyone at English National Opera for welcoming Rumi onto the majestic stage of The London Coliseum.”
London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4ES from 23rd – 24th November. Time: 7.30pm. Admission: £25.
Bookings https://londoncoliseum.org
