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THE 2015 Bahrain Summer Festival will feature a diverse group of regional and international artists in a bid to entertain those staying in the kingdom over the coming weeks as well as tourists.
The line-up of family-friendly shows and activities aim to cater to a wide range of ages and interests, from music, song and dance concerts to theatrical productions, artistic showcases, workshops and performances.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, believes that the popular annual festival ties in perfectly with the ‘Our Year of Heritage’ campaign, Manama’s year-long celebration of Bahrain’s national heritage.
She said: “Year after year, the Bahrain Summer Festival reaffirms the vital role of culture as the most effective tool to engage in dialogue and build understanding with other people from around the world.”
The festival kicks off on July 30 in the Bahrain National Theatre with ‘The Charm of the East’, a moving tribute by the Abdel-Halim Nuweira Ensemble to the first lady of Arabic song, Umm Kulthoom on the 40th anniversary of her passing, in which it will perform a selection of her masterpieces.
This concert is organised in cooperation with the Egyptian Embassy in Bahrain. Tickets for the concert are free, and will be available at the Bahrain National Museum starting from this coming Tuesday.
‘Taziri’, a music concert by famed French musician, composer, and improviser Titi Robin, is scheduled for August 25. Credited with inventing the genre known as ‘Mediterranean music’ by combining Gypsy, Oriental and European music, Robin will be joined at the Cultural Hall by Moroccan musician El-Mehdi Nassouli in another free concert organised in cooperation with the French Embassy in Bahrain.
Audiences can also look forward to a series of family-friendly shows and ticket prices will be announced shortly. The fun starts with ‘LaLaLuna’ from July 31 to August 3 at the Cultural Hall. Created by theatre playwright-actor Wolfe Bowart, the show follows the surreal tale of the moon’s caretaker as he tries to relight the darkened moon.
Barney the Dinosaur returns to his fans in Bahrain once again with his friends on their latest fun adventure ‘Barney Live! World Tour’ at the Cultural Hall from August 10-15. After receiving a special globe of the world from Cousin Riff, Barney, B.J. and Baby Bop set off on an epic journey around the world to find him.
Everyone’s favorite furry character Elmo will also be on hand from August 20-24 at the Cultural Hall in his own show ‘Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music’. Joined by Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and others, the friendly Sesame Street residents embark on starting a band and making music using odd and unusual objects. Along the way, they teach children the value of cooperation and teamwork in having fun.
In cooperation with the Embassy of the Philippines in Bahrain, the Bahrain National Theatre will also host ‘Master Pieces’, a one-night-only performance by Ballet Philippines on August 10. The performance features the most acclaimed works from the company’s 45-year history, from classical and neo-classical works, to modern and contemporary dance, and more.
From August 28-29, the Cultural Hall will stage ‘Beat Bumper’ presented by cutting-edge Japanese street dance troupe Wrecking Crew Orchestra. The Osaka-based act attained global stardom with their choreographed sets that they perform in the dark while wearing special futuristic illuminated costumes to create mind-bending illusions.
Bahrain Summer Festival mascot Nakhool returns as well to accompany children of all ages on a fun journey of discovery designed to educate the artistic young talents of tomorrow. The Nakhool Garden, located this year next to Sitra Mall, features a wide range of interactive cultural activities, workshops and competitions held over the duration of the festival.
• For more information visit bahrainsummer.bh or by calling 80008089 or 17569104.
