Written by: Tiisetso Tlelima
World famous opera La Traviata is one spectacular performance you shouldn’t miss this year at Lebanon’s Baalbeck International Festival (FIB) which takes place between 4 July and 13 August in the Beqaa Valley, Baalbek Acropolis. Rated as the most exquisite and exceptional show lined-up for the festival, La Traviata, meaning “the woman who strayed”, takes a closer look at the role and status of women in a world dominated by men. The show follows the love story of Alfredo Germont and a young and conflicted courtesan, Violetta, who when faced with Alfredo’s father’s disapproval, decides to sacrifice her love. Directed by Guissepe Verdi the show manages to portray in a realistic way a range of human feelings by playing on the contrasts in order to emphasize the tragic elements in the story.
Festival goers can also expect to see Bejart Ballet Lausanne; The Medea- Phaedra Monologues performed by French actress Fanny Ardant and cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton; the French pianist David Fray; the Lebanese Night with the musical “The Opera of the Village” by Caracalla Dance Theatre, starring Assi el Hellani and Lebanese stars; Deep Purple rock concert, Ron Carter Quintet and more.
The FIB, now in its 31st year is the oldest and the most prestigious festival in the Middle East, that celebrates classical music, opera, jazz, modern world music, rock and pop music as well as ballet and theatre. “Our mission is to patronize and encourage the country’s cultural and touristic life,” says Asma Freiha, festival Communications Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. According to Freiha, the festival would have been in its 53rd year had it not been forced to discontinue between 1975 and 1996 due to war and political instability. “After the Lebanese Civil War, the FIB came alive once again finding back its past glory with the top echelon of international, regional and local artists.”
Attracting 40 000 visitors each year from Lebanon, the Middle East and abroad, the festival first came into being in 1956 and has been taking place during the months of July and August in the Roman ruins of the Baalbek Temples ever since.
For more info visit the festival website on www.baalbeck.org.lb
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