The Clusters of Light", the world s greatest oratorio about the story of Islam

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi: This ground-breaking performance is the culmination of the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah to celebrate the human values of Islam

To inaugurate the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations, the Open Majaz Island Theatre will host The Clusters of Light' - a monumental artistic theatrical display through which the Emirate of Sharjah seeks to provide a true picture of Islam, and its human values that promote peace and love.

Details about the oratorio which is a large musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists. Like an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias were announced by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the Executive Committee Chairman for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations, at the International Forum for Governmental Communication in Sharjah Expo Centre on Monday evening. In attendance were distinguished guests and speakers, along with a group of prominent Arab and foreign media.

In his speech at the Forum, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said guidance for The Clusters of Light', came from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The intention is to create a high-ranking artistic work serving Islam, clarifying its tolerant truth and promoting its human values represented by justice, love and peace, to be recorded by history and engraved in the memory of future generations.

He noted that this prestigious performance, written by the Saudi poet Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Ashmawi, and composed by the Bahraini Artist Khalid Al Sheikh will be the largest theatrical and musical production ever to be made, with more than 200 performers from around the world to participate and led by Four Arab stars: Hussien Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali El Hajjar, and Mohammed Assaf. The oratorio will include a narration of the biography of Prophet Mohammad, Peace Be Upon Him, from his birth until his death.

Five epical performances, taking place from March 26 to April 5, will send the audience on a journey back to the times of darkness, struggle and challenges that led us to the beginnings of Islam and tell the story of great early accomplishments. It will be a gift from Sharjah to the entire world that celebrates Islam and its history; we are confident that the audience will witness a show so spectacular as to be engraved in their memories forever, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi added.

Audiences are also being treated to a short film about the display's production, which included filming tours in several Arab and foreign countries,. Experts in Islamic history and technical experts were consulted at every stage of filming to ensure accuracy and technical proficiency, utilising technologies unprecedented in the Arab world.

In total, the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations will encompass in excess of 24 heritage, tourism, cultural, and construction projects, as well as more than a hundred activities throughout the Emirate over the coming year.

The Open Majaz Island Theatre is the official venue for the celebrations and will host most of its events. The first of its kind in the region, the semi-circular theatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman designs, spans an area of more than 7,200 square meters and was built at a cost AED 120 million.

The venue can accommodate up to 4,500 spectators, with a vast viewing platform through which artists ascend and a state of the art audio system. An AED 13 million bridge between the island and Khalid Lagoon Street enables easy access for visitors.

Sharjah was named the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 on the basis of its rich history and contribution to preserving and promoting culture throughout the region. The decision was made in 2004 within the framework of the Islamic Culture Capital Programme, which is sponsored and administered by the Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture.

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