A new musical theatre production, The Rose of Seville: The Brides Crown, opened this week at theDamascusOpera House, blending dance, drama and live music in a cross-cultural story linkingAndalusiaand Syria.

Written by Mohammad Omar and directed by Ahmad Zuhair, the production is a collaboration between the Opera House, the Dance Theatre Company, and the Syrian Mosaic Organization. It aims to revive Syrias musical theatre scene after years of conflict.

The story follows Wajida, a woman from Seville whose life unravels after the citys fall, caught between Alfonso, a conquering noble who loves her, and Jabiro, a Gypsy who captures her heart. The work reflects on the loss of cities and identity, drawing parallels between Andalusias decline and modern migration to Europe.

Music by Mohammad Habbash combines Arab, Andalusian and Gypsy themes, while choreography by Ranim Malt fusesSpanish, Arab and contemporary dance styles.

Performers include Nawar Bulbul, Nahed Al-Halabi, Walid Al-Dabbas and Ghassan Al-Dabbas, supported by a young ensemble from Syrias performing arts institutes.

Lighting designer Maher Harbash and a team of visual artists created moving sets and projections evoking Sevilles spirit and its echoes in Damascus.

Director Zuhair said the project seeks to overcome production challenges and reconnect Syrian theatre with global cultural dialogue.

The performances continue for three nights at the Damascus Opera House.