Arabian Nights-themed theatre opens in Bahrain

Bahrain’s King Hamad opened one of the largest theatres in the Middle East this week. The new 1,001-seat Bahrain National Amphitheatre was built at a cost $50mn with an Arabian Nights theme and will stage a busy season of performances that include Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre and Spanish tenor Placido Domingo. “This theatre adds a great deal, through cultural activities that bring people close and embodies the dreams of every citizen,” Culture Minister Sheikha Mai bint Mohamed al-Khalifah told Reuters. “Bahrain is no exception to what is happening in the world,” Sheikha Mai said. “We are living a reality that consecrates the culture of hope and which presents all that is beautiful to residents and all those who love Bahrain,” she added. Decked with all the amenities of a modern cultural centre needed to attract world events, including a 100-seat rehearsal hall, the 11,669sq m national theatre is the latest artistic foray in the Gulf region. Last year, Oman opened the first opera house in the region. Dubai has also unveiled plans to build its own opera house. Bahrain is home to the ancient Dilmun civilisation, containing one of the most ancient burial sites in the Arabian Peninsula. Before the United Arab Emirates began attracting foreign investors in the 1990s, Bahrain served as a regional tourism, information and banking hub. Much of the international media covering the Gulf region are based in Bahrain, where some 600,000 people live. Bahraini officials say they want to regain the edge that once made the country attractive to foreign investors. Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is reported to be planning to launch his satellite news channel, Alarab, from Bahrain. The prince, who walked side-by-side with King Hamad as the monarch inspected the spacious seaside theatre grounds, is also reported to be planning to shift some of his media and cultural investments from Dubai to Bahrain. Bahrain’s government put down an uprising by Shias demanding a bigger say in government last year, but violence has picked up again and discontent lingers despite reform, including more powers for an elected parliament. Minister of State for Information Samira Rajab said Bahrain was determined to find a way out of the crisis that will pave a way for it to showcase its cultural advantages. “What is required today is for all the parties with sectarian differences to sit down and reach understandings,” Rajab said. “What is agreed upon is what will be implemented, not one side’s wishes against the other’s. The Bahrain issue will be resolved through dialogue.”