Rumi: The Musical concert to play London Coliseum with Ramin Karimloo and Nadim Naaman

New musical Rumi will be showcased in a semi-staged concert at the London Coliseum.

The piece has been created by Dana Al Fardan and Nadim Naaman, based on a story by Evren Sharma.

Inspired by the 13th century philosopher and poet Rumi, the musical previously launched with a full length concept album starring Ramin Karimloo and Nadim Naaman.

The pair will reprise their roles for the concert, running on 23 and 24 November 2021, with the full cast including Casey Al-Shaqsy, Soophia Foroughi, Ahmed Hamad, Yazdan Qafouri, Johan Munir and Benjamin Armstrong.

They’ll be joined by an ensemble featuring Roshani Abbey, Amira Al Shanti, Eva-Theresa Chokarian, Maëva Feitelson, Sasha Ghoshal, Blythe Jandoo, Ediz Mahmut, Zara Naeem, Mark Samaras and Aliza Vakil.

Bronagh Lagan directs with orchestrations and arrangements by Joe Davison,vocal arrangements by Nikki Davison, choreography by Anjali Mehra, Middle Eastern musical supervision by Maias Aylamani, Set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lightning design by Nic Farman, sound design by Simon Hendry and video design by Matt Powell. Ali Matar is the producer.

The legacy of 13th century philosopher and poet Rumi has touched millions around the world and continues to make an impact in its universality and utilitarian nature; a legacy which has lasted eight centuries and has inspired all nationalities, ages, faiths and backgrounds. But how did it all begin?

‘Rumi: The Musical’ examines the transformative and powerful relationship between Rumi and his mentor Shams Tabrizi, and how this extraordinary friendship, integral to Rumi’s development as both thinker and writer, impacted the lives of Rumi’s family, friends and followers, contextualising many of his popular words and works.

Dana Al Fardan said: “Writing Rumi felt like a blessing, during a period of so much upheaval in the world. The show’s emphasis is on looking within ourselves, and accessing the abundant sphere of creative force which shapes our conception of reality. It has been such a healing journey and I can’t wait to share our show with audiences at The London Coliseum.”

Nadim Naaman added: “We were so thrilled with the response to the release of the Rumi concept album earlier this year, and to its unique qualities as a piece of theatre. I am so grateful that we now have live performances to look forward to, particularly after the challenges we have all faced as an industry in the recent past.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone at English National Opera for welcoming Rumi onto the majestic stage of the London Coliseum.”