Highly Acclaimed Opera Aida Is Making A Comeback At The Abu Simbel Temple
Coming this Feb. is the infamous Aida considered one of the most iconic operas that shines a light on Egypt’s rich cultural past. The show will be performed at Abu Simbel in Aswan in line with the temple’s solar alignment when the sun’s rays would shine Into the Temple of Ramses II, illuminating the king’s statue. This event happens only twice a year, on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22, to celebrate Ramses’ birthday and coronation, respectively.
This is not the first time the legendary opera will be staged at one of ancient Egypt’s historic monuments. The Pyramids of Giza, Hatshepsut Temple as well as the Deir Al-Bahari Temple were among a few of the landmarks that saw the likes of Aida gracing its stage. In every performance, the crowd would be in awe of the production, story, and powerful music accompanying each of its renditions.
The Story Behind Aida
Stepping back in time to Ancient Egypt, spectators get to experience the timeless tale of love, envy, and betrayal set in the backdrop of a war between Egypt and Ethiopia. Written by Italian composer Guiseppe Verdi, the four-act-opera revolves around two star-crossed lovers, an Ethiopian slave Aida who is held captive in Egypt, and Radames, the soon-to-be Egyptian army commander. When Radames gets chosen to lead the war against Ethiopia, Aida is placed on a figurative crossroads as she has to decide between following her love for Radames or her country.
Just as Aida exudes a historical narrative set in Ancient Egypt, the opera itself has a history of its own dating back a century and a half ago. Back in 1871, Egypt’s Khedive Isma’il Pasha was planning to open the Khedival Opera House. To celebrate its inauguration, he commissioned Verdi to craft an opera in commemoration of the building.
The world was introduced to Aida on Dec. 24, 1871 when it premiered at the Khedival Opera House, the oldest opera house in all of Africa. Since then, it amassed wide acclaim and was performed on a yearly basis on that very stage for more than 100 years until it burned down in 1971.
Its Regional & Global Acclaim
So far, the play has been performed more than 1000 times across the globe, making an appearance in Hong Kong, London, San Diego and beyond. It was such an adored production that it was also staged at all major Italian opera houses including Teatro Costanzi and Teatro Comunale di Bologna. It has even been adapted into an online slot!
Beyond its global recognition, the play is a source of pride for the Egyptian community as many have expressed their appreciation of how it gives audiences an untapped artistic look into the country’s rich ancient past. Within the musical community, prominent figures have also voiced their support including singing teacher and impresario Neveen Allouba who said “Aida shows the past of Egypt, it’s our history; so we’re proud of that.”
Being such a prominent event, it cannot be denied that Aida will continue to be an intrinsic facet of Egypt’s artistic and historical identity. We can’t wait to catch a glimpse as it graces Abu Simbel temples, taking viewers back on that journey to Egypt’s past.
