Montegrappa, has teamed up with BOLD talks, a leading event organiser in the UAE, to bring a production of “Rest Upon the Wind”, the play about the life and times of Gibran, back to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE tour of the play, from the 14th to the 19th of April will culminate with a celebrity evening at the Dubai International Writer’s Centre celebrating all facets of the great Artist and Writer. This comes ahead of the release of the much anticipated Hollywood animated movie, ‘The Prophet’ which launches in the Middle East in May.
T
he theatrical play based on the life and times of Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) has received major acclaim worldwide selling out at London’s West End. “We are proud to see such cultural initiatives take place in the UAE, especially when it involves inspirational figures like Gibran Khalil Gibran,” says H.E. Hassan Saad, Ambassador of Lebanon to the UAE, “Unlike many others who became famous, the Lebanese legend became a virtual monument for inspiration, education, companionship, love, music and life.”
Written and directed by playwright and actor Nadim Sawalha and produced by Ali Matar, the play sheds light on the personal life of one of the most influential icons of our time. Though born more than 100 years ago, Gibran’s writings have been translated to some 44 languages and his infamous book “The Prophet” has sold more than 120 million copies worldwide.
Nadim Sawalha’s powerful script reveals the struggle, conflict and passions surrounding Gibran and provides insight into the poet’s environment and the people who had the strongest impact on his life, particularly the strong female figures; Mary Haskell, his mentor and Miryanna, his sister who cared for him all his life.
The play will be staged in two shows at the Al Jaheli Theatre in Armed Forces Officers’ Club in Abu Dhabi from the 14 to the 15th of April and three shows at the Ductac Theatre at the Mall of Emirates in Dubai from the 16th to the 18th of April.
The week will be wrapped up with a ‘Celebration of Gibran’ on the evening of on the 19th of April, at the Dubai International Writers’ Centre in AlShindagha historical neighbourhood. This special cultural initiative will be attended by the President of the Gibran National Committee of Lebanon, Dr Tarek Chidiac, and will see ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ presenter Georges Kordahi reciting some of Gibran’s poetry alongside an operatic performance of one of Gibran’s most iconic songs by Christine Belbelian, founder of the Emirates Opera Project. Other highlights include the unveiling of snippets from the forthcoming Hollywood production of the animated movie, ‘The Prophet’.
Montegrappa, are partners in releasing the film in the region this May and have created a special collection of ‘The Prophet’ pens, designed in collaboration with the Gibran National Committee and Lebanese artist Katya Traboulsi, which will be unveiled on the night.
“We have been working closely with the Gibran National Committee for several years now and have become immersed in the world of Gibran since the process began,” says Montegrappa CEO, Giuseppe Aquila, “We want to help promote his legacy not only through the pen collections we have created but also by supporting other Gibran related initiatives and we are proud to be involved in bringing the play back to the UAE and to be partners for the Middle East release of ‘The Prophet’ movie”
Gibran’s poetry and literature has become a tapestry of spiritual guidance the world over and has been quoted by statesmen and cultural icons everywhere, “It is a true honour to be able to bring his story to people who have sought his wisdom for decades,” explains Matar who is already in talks with event organizers in the US and Australia with plans to take the show across the Atlantic in the coming year.
