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Oum – A Son’s Quest for His Mother

UK Premiere of Bushra El-Turk's music theatre work

The UK premiere of award-winning Bushra El-Turk’s contemporary opera, inspired by a song from Egyptian legend Oum Kalthoum, with star singers Ghalia Benali, Dima Orsho & Bernadeta Astari.

The 19-year-old Wahab struggles through a nighttime snowstorm on his way to the hospital where his mother lies dying. This is his last chance to untangle the knot of his relationship with her. Deep in his heart, Wahab carries the song Al-Atlal (“The Ruins”) by the Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum. The song embodies the sorrow of a lost home, the longing for love, and ultimately the promise of reconciliation amidst the fragments of a broken relationship.

Following the success of A Woman at Point Zero, Bushra El-Turk presents her latest music theatre piece.

This performance will end at approximately 8.50pm. There will be no interval.

Please note: this performance contains explicit descriptions of war violence.
 

Oum – A Son’s Quest for His Mother is a collaboration between Dutch National Opera, Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest and Meervaart, Amsterdam. Based on the play Un obus dans le couer and excerpts of the novel Visage retrouvé by Wajdi Mouawad. English translation by Linda Gaboriau.

Spoken in English, sung in Arabic.

Discover: Oum Kalthoum

Bushra El-Turk's Oum - A Son's Quest for his Mother

Discover: Oum Kalthoum

Oum Kalthoum is the legendary voice of Egypt whose music still moves the Arab world and beyond. This contemporary opera is inspired by their song Al-Atlal (“The Ruins”). 

Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.