Context Programme OUM

Dates

20 March 2025

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Theatre Café

Running time

2:00

Tickets

€ 10

Context programme about Oum Kalthoum: for fans and newcomers

In preparation for the world premiere of Oum - A Son's Quest for his Mother, the Opera Forward Festival is organising a special programme to add context. The performances of Oum will be during Ramadan, so we will start the programme at sunset with Iftar, when the day’s fast is broken.

During a special three-course dinner provided by Hummus & Habibis, the host and curator Fouad Lakbir will take the audience through a programme inspired by the life and legacy of Oum Kalthoum. Between courses, you can enjoy music, spoken-word performances and other forms of entertainment that highlight the influence of this legendary Egyptian singer.

Whether you are a longstanding fan of Oum Kalthoum’s music or only just discovering her, the programme will offer a memorable and atmospheric introduction to the premiere of Oum - A Son's Quest for his Mother later in the evening.

Context Programme

Language English and Dutch

18:00

Walk-in

18:30

Opening of the Context Programme by host Fouad Lakbir, featuring:
Kenza Koutchoukali and Bushra El-Turk on their opera Oum – A Son’s Quest for his Mother
Hummus & Habibis on the evening’s menu

18:56

Breaking of the fast, opening of the Iftar

19:00 – 20:30

First course
Spoken word by Zeinab El Bouni

Second course
Salon Joussour with jazz bassist and composer Tony Overwater and oud player and composer Nizar Rohana
A musical introduction to Oum Kalthoum

Third course
Spoken word by Benzokarim

20:30

End of the Context Programme

Practical information

You need a separate ticket for the Context Programme OUM, as it is not included in the premiere ticket. The Context Programme ticket price includes the three-course meal. The Context Programme Oum runs from 18:30 to 20:30.

A prayer room will be available for visitors who are observing Ramadan.