Dana Al Fardan, one of the Middle East’s leading contemporary composers, is pleased to announce her second major stage musical ‘Rumi: The Musical’, along with writing partner and West End star Nadim Naaman, and featuring West End and Broadway star Ramin Karimloo.

‘Rumi’, based on a story about the 13th-century philosopher and poet Rumi by Evren Sharma, follows Dana and Nadim’s 2018 musical debut, ‘Broken Wings’ which premiered in the West End to sell-out shows at the Theatre Royal Haymarket before touring the Middle East.

Dana Al Fardan said, “Composing for ‘Rumi’ has been the ultimate journey in unraveling components that are socially constructed from those that form our own personal truth and consciousness.

In light of our shared experience this year, with the world falling into disarray, it has been an incredibly powerful and uplifting experience to retreat to that place and discover the abundant creative force that it offers. I am confident that we have created a framework that will offer the audience the chance to tap into that place on some level.”

The Musical will launch first with a full-length concept album, with Ramin Karimloo and Nadim Naaman heading a West End cast comprising entirely of performers of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian heritage, as well as featuring The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Musical will feature Ramin Karimloo, an actor, singer and composer recognized mainly for his work for London's West End longest-running musicals including The Phantom of the Opera where he played the role of Phantom.

He also played leading roles in Les Misérables, in addition to a number of other acclaimed musicals.

The musical is orchestrated and arranged by Joe Davison, with vocal arrangements by Nikki Davison and Middle Eastern musical supervision by Maias Alyamani. The album is produced, edited, and mixed by Joe and Nikki Davison for Auburn Jam Music.

The Musical was recorded in London and Doha throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It features a grand score that combines Middle Eastern authenticity with classical influences and contemporary musical theatre, with lyrics derived from Rumi’s poetry.

‘The Musical’ will be released on all major digital platforms later this Spring, with further details to be announced soon.

Ramin Karimloo (as Shams Tabrizi) and Nadim Naaman (Rumi) lead the concept album cast as the central protagonists.

They are joined by Casey Al-Shaqsy (as Kimya), Soophia Foroughi (Kara), Sharif Afifi (Sultan Valed), Ahmed Hamad (Aladdin), Irvine Iqbal (Husam) and Alim Jayda (Sayyed).

Completing the company is Roshani Abbey, Amira Al Shanti, Eva-Theresa Chokarian, Maëva Feitelson, Sasha Ghoshal, James Hameed, Blythe Jandoo and Aliza Vakil.

The legacy of Rumi has touched millions around the world and continues to make an impact in its universality and utilitarian nature; a legacy that has lasted eight centuries and has inspired all nationalities, ages, faiths, and backgrounds.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial