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THE popular Barbie doll is coming to life in the kingdom thanks to British expatriate Tamar Leek and her bubbly persona, writes Mai Al-Khatib Camille.
The Bahrain-based creative is looking forward to capturing the true essence of Barbie in her musical performance which starts next month.
“I hope the show spreads a feel-good message to my friends, followers and Barbie enthusiasts in Bahrain and the Middle East,” said Tamar who has an array of ‘Collectable’ Barbie dolls at her parents’ loft in the UK.
“The show is not about being a blonde airhead with plastic for brains, it’s about female empowerment in all job forms, creeds and cultures. Barbie can be a rock star, a doctor, a lawyer. However, this Barbie isn’t trying to be ‘perfect’ either, she can be goofy and explorative too.”
And what perfect timing for the talented Tamar to come up with this show as the Barbie movie, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, will be released on July 21 in the US.
“I already have my Barbie movie premier squad together for the big day,” she shared. “I have also chosen upbeat, classic sing-along song and songs from the official Barbie movie soundtrack for my show.”
Knowing Tamar, she will likely be mistaken for Barbie while at the theatre.
“I get stopped at supermarkets and streets for photographs and I must admit, I love it,” she said. “People have pulled over their cars and wound down their windows to take a photo with me. I am aware that my style turns heads and I enjoy that because my style takes effort and it makes both myself and others happy.
“I try to remain respectful with my style in public, wearing leg coverings and arm coverings too— they just happen to be in bright colours. On the rare occasions that I am ‘incognito’ or ‘dressed down’ with no wig and makeup, I am also happy. A lot of people ask if I’m ‘hiding behind my image’, I can’t see the logic in that. I feel like it’s an extension of my personality and creativity.”
Aside from The Bahrain Barbie Show, Tamar will soon be performing her original rock music at the US Fifth Fleet’s Navy Base along with her original band Reveries.
She is also in the Final 25 of Middle East Beasts XPerform in Saudi Arabia and her audition is coming up soon in Riyadh.
She has a few other creative projects in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Barbie premier show will be launched at LuLu Hypermarket on July 13. The shows, to be held at various venues over the next few months, will be free for the public.
For details, follow @Bahrainbarbie and @tamarmusicofficial on Instagram.
