The grand play “One Thousand and One Nights” by the renowned Abdel Halim Caracalla was originally scheduled to premiere in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, starting in July of last year. However, the outbreak of war delayed the official opening indefinitely. Yet, rehearsals resumed—even before the war came to a halt—driven by the passion of maestro Abdel Halim Caracalla. Now, the troupe is preparing to launch new performances beginning April 11 at the Théâtre de l’Ivoire, presenting one of Caracalla’s most enchanting and entertaining masterpieces.
The play “One Thousand and One Nights” is truly a gem in the repertoire of the Caracalla Dance Theatre. It was first performed in 2002 at the Baalbek International Festival, where it received widespread acclaim, and has since toured numerous prestigious stages around the world over the past 20 years. Its return to Beirut offers a renewed opportunity to indulge in a visual and auditory feast.
At the Théâtre de l’Ivoire—a venue built by Caracalla for his company in Horsh Tabet, Beirut, to serve as both a performance space and a school for the art of dance—the dancers will shine in their stunning costumes. They will bring back to life the legendary story that has become globally renowned, blending Arab heritage with Indian and Persian influences—a fusion reflected in the music, costumes, and choreography.
The tale of Scheherazade and Shahryar inspired Abdel Halim Caracalla, as it has countless artists around the world. Its rich narrative elements—from the storyteller and the public to the tales of Sinbad, Scheherazade, and Aladdin—have deeply influenced global literature and popular culture, fueling the imaginations of both people and creators.
(Asharq Al-Awsat)