The "Jarash" Crowd Reigns Supreme with the "Umm Kulthum" Lady

The audience of the Jerash Festival experienced, on the Southern Stage, one of the finest masterpieces of contemporary Egyptian theater: “Umm Kulthum: Drowned in the Lady’s Voice.” This creative production scripted some of the most beautiful nights of the festival’s 40th edition, bringing together fans of “the Lady” to witness key moments in her life.

Lovers of classic music enjoyed one of the most prominent contemporary Arab theatrical productions, which celebrated the life of the “Star of the East,” making Jordan the first Arab country to stage the play after Egypt.

The performance carried a distinct character, experienced by the Jerash audience for the first time, transporting them to the world of authentic art in its most splendid form. The production combined emotional depth, beautiful vocals, exquisite stage design, and distinctive dance sequences.

The play offered an artistic and humanistic reading of Umm Kulthum’s career, tracing her journey from a small village to a legendary status that made her one of the most influential figures in the Arab consciousness during the 20th century. It showcased the evolution of Arabic song through Umm Kulthum’s collaborations with leading poets and composers who contributed to her immortal artistic legacy.

The production relied on a massive visual and musical ensemble that integrated acting, singing, and theatrical spectacle, allowing the Jerash audience to experience a unique artistic performance that will remain vivid in their memories.

In this work, writer and producer Madhat Al-Adl presented a complete artistic piece that will be etched in Jerash’s memory as one of the key events that gave the festival a distinctive flavor.