Dutch National Opera
Behind the Libretto: OUM

Dates
16 maart 2025
Location
Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Festival heart
Running time
1:30, no interval
Tickets
Free (reservation required)

A conversation about Oum Kalthoum
Who was Oum Kalthoum and why is this Egyptian singer still such an icon? In Behind the Libretto, various guests discuss the themes and background to the new opera OUM. What makes her a unifying figure for so many people in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) or with roots there? What is it about her voice that is so special, and how does she fit in with the tradition of Arabic music? This programme considers these questions and many others, interspersed with live music from the opera.
In search of identity, inspired by Oum Kalthoum
The new opera OUM is based on the book Visage Retrouvé (‘face retrieved’) by the celebrated writer and director Wajdi Mouawad. In this story, the teenager Wahab is suddenly unable to recognise his mother’s face. In an impressive monologue, he goes in search of himself, confronting traumas from the past and attempting to reconcile himself with the mother he seems to have lost (oum also means ‘mother’ in Arabic). The director Kenza Koutchoukali and dramaturg Wout van Tongeren have adapted this story in a libretto that allows plenty of space for both Oum’s music and the new composition.
About Behind the Libretto
Behind the Libretto is an initiative of De Balie in partnership with Dutch National Opera. Unlike its regular programme, this De Balie event will take place at Dutch National Opera & Ballet as part of the Opera Forward Festival.
Reserve your seat
Admission to Behind the Libretto: OUM is free. Click the buttons below to reserve a seat. You can also drop by on the day itself, as some spots are reserved for spontaneous visitors.