Bahrain's 'Spring of Culture' Kicks Off With 'Hadid Tears' Show

Varieties

February 28th, 7:58am

Manama - Asharq Al-Awsat

Image supplied via AAWSAT ARABIC

The creativity of the late international architect Zaha Hadid whose legacy was celebrated at the 15th edition of the Spring of Culture Festival. Her architectural designs embraced in many cities around the world can never go unnoticed. The Bahrain National Theatre in Manama hosted on Tuesday a musical show dubbed "Hadid Tears" performed by the Egyptian Modern Dance Theatre and Cairo Opera House, and directed by Walid Aouni. Speaking about the festival's launch, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), said the Spring of Culture Festival enriches the cultural activity in the kingdom, and reflects the importance of culture as a major pillar in the tourism industry. Every year, the festival kicks off in conjunction with the Arab Tourism Day, and marks the birth date of the great Arab traveler Ibn Battuta. The "Hadid Tears" performance was attended by Anita Mendiratta, special advisor to the UN's World Tourism Organization, who highlighted the important connection between culture and tourism, noting that culture inspires millions of people to travel the world and discover new civilizations and populations. The "Hadid Tears" show featured many visual effects and outstanding designs that simulated the architectural creations of Zaha Hadid. Through the dancers' movements and colorful lights, the show emphasized a connection between the Sufi dervishes of the Mawlawiyah and the late architect's art. The Iraqi-British architect had gained an international fame thanks to her unique touch and distinguished architectural style. She received myriads of international awards, medals, and honorary titles before her death in 2016. Zaha Hadid is one of the most prominent architects in the world. The Spring of Culture Festival is an annual event organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, in cooperation with Albareh Gallery and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Arts. The festival will run until the end of April and will feature many events including exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, discussion panels, movie shows, and lectures.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2153816/bahrains-spring-culture-kicks-hadid-tears-show