Tribune News Network
DOHA
The stage musical production of Mira Nair’s successful 2001 Indian comedy-drama Monsoon Wedding will premiere in Doha at Souq Waqif’s Abdul Azizi Nasser Theatre on November 15. The musical is presented by Qatar Creates Events and the Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture, and is part of Qatar Creates’ lively cultural programme for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and beyond.
Based on the Golden Globe-nominated film of the same name by prolific filmmaker Mira Nair, Monsoon Wedding has continued to enchant global audiences since its release over two decades ago. Featuring the powerful juxtaposition of tradition and modernity against the backdrop of a globalising India, the film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and garnered nominations for the Golden Globe and BAFTA awards, becoming one of the highest grossing foreign films of all time.
Commenting on the upcoming global premiere, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, the leading force behind Qatar Creates, says: "Monsoon Wedding is a story that inspires debate about the nature of life, identity and our place within an ever-changing world. It will be a pleasure to welcome Director Mira Nair and the talented cast to Doha to inspire a sense of joy and unity among young and old as part of our Qatar Creates programme.”
Mira Nair, whose independent films have earned her global recognition including an Academy Award nomination, commented: "Following in the footsteps of the original film, Monsoon Wedding Musical strikes a beautiful balance between silence and music, darkness and joy. At its core, this is a story about the love that we want to understand and that we all yearn for. I am deeply honoured to stage its opening performances in Doha, at a time when the country turns into a meeting spot for global culture and entertainment during the FIFA WC Qatar 2022.”
Saad Al Hudaifi, executive director of Qatar Creates, noted: "We are delighted to bring the musical production of Monsoon Wedding to Qatar audiences, especially those who love Bollywood and Indian dramas. At once a contemporary exploration of life’s challenges and a clever social commentary on the differences between the East and West, Monsoon Wedding the Musical is a unique highlight in our programme around the FIFA World Cup 2022 that is set to captivate audiences of all ages.”
Conceived by a top team of collaborators, Monsoon Wedding Musical features a stellar Indian cast that took five years to assemble, supported by Indian composer Vishal Bhardwaj’s musical compositions, along with three hit songs from the film by Academy Award-winning composer Mychael Danna, and orchestration from the Tony Award-winning orchestrator of ‘The Band’s Visit’, Jamshied Sharifi.
Performances will run until November 26, and tickets can be purchased from the Qatar Creates website. Additionally, Qatar Creates’ One Pass holders can access the musical as part of their benefits package. Launched as a gateway to arts and culture for all residents and visitors, the One Pass offers access to over 300 events and experiences, including art and cultural exhibitions, museums, live events, festivals, theatre and musicals, throughout November and December 2022.
For more information about Qatar Creates, visit www.qacreates.com.