‘The Little Prince’ dances through the night at Ithra

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‘The Little Prince’ features a cast of characters adapted from the classic novella, with Dylan Barone playing the titular prince. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 June 2023
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‘The Little Prince’ dances through the night at Ithra

  • Adapted from one of the world’s best-selling novellas, the theatrical attraction at Ithra was produced by the Dubai-based Broadway Entertainment Group

DHAHRAN: A live adaptation of the much-loved novella “The Little Prince” dazzled the audience at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) Theater in Dhahran at its Saudi premiere on Wednesday night.

The show begins with a pilot crashing his small airplane in the Sahara Desert, far from civilization. The narrator calculates that the pilot has enough water to last him for just eight days.

Moments later, the titular golden-haired prince saunters into the scene, gracefully moving on the moon with an infectious loud laugh and wearing his iconic jumpsuit.




The production is currently on show at Ithra theater in Dhahran. (Instagram/thelittleprincetour)

He asks the pilot to draw a sheep. After a few comical attempts, the pilot draws a crate and exclaims in frustration that the sheep are housed within the crate. This satisfies the prince, who begins to allow his imagination to run wild. A group of actors dressed as sheep dance across the stage.

The prince starts to tell the pilot about his life, beginning with the tale of his sweet friendship with a beautiful flower that had grown on the surface of an abandoned asteroid. However, after showering the flower with love and affection, the prince ends up feeling betrayed by her. This is portrayed in a lyrical dance between the two, in which they eventually bid each other an emotional goodbye.

HIGHLIGHTS

• ‘The Little Prince’ was choreographed by Anne Tournie, who co-directs it with the libretto adaptor Chris Mouron.

• The show’s original music was composed by Terry Truck, and Peggy Housset is the costume designer.

• Tickets start at SR60 ($16) and can be purchased via the Ithra website or app.

• Open to ages 5+, the final performance in Dhahran is on June 24.

The prince then begins to dance with other creatures and characters he meets on his journey through six other planets.

On the eighth day after the crash, the prince finds a well, enabling the pilot to quench his thirst and survive. What happens next, as in the book, is deliberately vague and allows the viewer room for interpretation. Did the prince perish or did he just move on to another adventure?




The production includes vibrant dance, music, projections and acrobatics. (Supplied)

The show — subtitled in both English and Arabic — is based on the book of the same name written and illustrated by French aristocrat and military pilot Antoine De Saint-Exupery, which was first published in the US in 1943 in both English and French.

Decades later, “The Little Prince” remains one of the best-selling books of all time. It has been translated into around 300 languages and is reportedly the second most translated work in history, after the Bible. It is estimated that the novella has sold around 140 million copies.

The book offers a gentle warning to readers. It reflects on the nature of growing up and how adults often seem to forget the “important things” of childhood, such as playfulness, kindness and curiosity.




The production includes vibrant dance, music, projections and acrobatics. (Supplied)

This reimagination of the tale is produced by the Dubai-based Broadway Entertainment Group, and choreographed by Anne Tournie, who co-directs it with the libretto adaptor Chris Mouron. Terry Truck is the composer and Peggy Housset is the costume designer.

On opening night, the artists on stage pulled the audience in with their fantastic performance — the singing, dancing and lighting were all excellent.

Vibrant and full of movement, “The Little Prince” transported everyone present to another world for nearly two hours. The show’s program referred to the performance as “a constellation of compelling characters and colorful costumes” and invited the audience to “leap into a vivid universe of dance, music, projections and acrobatics. Immerse yourself in a uniquely innovative international stage production that will capture your heart and challenge your imagination.”




The production includes vibrant dance, music, projections and acrobatics. (Supplied)

Much of the show is soundtracked by dramatic instrumental music. The focus is on the movement of the actors and the majority of the story is told through dance rather than spoken words. This allows viewers to use their imaginations and fill in dialogue for themselves, if they wish. They can also just enjoy the dancing and acrobatics on stage without the need for words.

Sisters Nora and Sara Alashban, who are six and five respectively, were seen twirling around in their pretty dresses during the 20-minute interval. Their mother, Najla bin Muammar, listened attentively as her daughters discussed what they had seen in act one and what they expected to happen in act two. She reminded them that they had the book at home and said they would look at it later.

“It’s cool! I came before to (Ithra) theater and watched ‘Shrek’ (the musical), but this one is nicer,” Nora told Arab News.




‘The Little Prince’ was first published in english and French in 1943.

Sara said she had enjoyed the dance of the sheep and added: “I like it when (the prince) flies away to another land. But where did he go? I don’t know. Nora said he went to the moon. So, he went to the moon!”

As the ensemble of a dozen talented artists took their bows, red, heart-shaped confetti cascaded down onto some of the audience — a dreamlike way to end the night, and a show that serves as testament to Ithra’s dedication to fostering performance arts in the Kingdom.

Ithra Theater Society is currently recruiting for its Ithra Performing Arts Society, where beginners or experienced enthusiasts can explore acting, stage design, or other relevant fields through workshops, panel discussions, and monthly meetings with experts in the industry. Further details can be found on Ithra’s website.

Tickets for “The Little Prince” start at SR60 ($16) and can be purchased via the Ithra website or app. The final performance is on June 24.

 


Saudi weather center forecasts ‘above normal’ temperatures, rainfall in July and August

Updated 26 June 2025
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Saudi weather center forecasts ‘above normal’ temperatures, rainfall in July and August

  • Temperatures to rise by 1 degree Celsius in central, northern and eastern regions
  • Higher-than-normal rainfall predicted in southern and western regions

JEDDAH: Expect higher temperatures in the central, northern and eastern parts of Saudi Arabia in July and August, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has announced.

In a seasonal forecast carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meteorology center forecast a temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius above normal in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Eastern, and Northern Borders regions, peaking in August at 1.2 degrees Celsius in Jouf, Tabuk, Qassim, Hail, and Eastern regions.

NCM has also forecast higher-than-normal rainfall in Najran, Jazan, Al-Baha, and Aseer, and parts of Makkah, Madinah, and southern Riyadh and Eastern regions, particularly in July and August. The rest of the Kingdom is expected to receive normal rainfall.

The Summer 2025 forecast, covering the months of June to August, was based on climatic conditions from 1991 to 2020, SPA said.

According to the report, the highest maximum temperature was recorded in Jeddah on June 2010 at 52°C, while Al-Ahsa recorded 51.3°C in July 2024. Dammam and Al-Qaisumah in the eastern part of the Kingdom recorded August highs of 51°C in 1998 and 2021, respectively.

For rainfall, the southwestern region of Jazan recorded the highest daily amount in August 2024 at 113 millimeters. It also held the record for July at 67.6 mm in 1995. For the month of June, Sharurah, in the southern province of Najran, recorded the highest daily amount in June 1996 at 53.8 mm.

 

 


Governor of Qassim praises heritage center for preserving region’s culture and history

Updated 26 June 2025
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Governor of Qassim praises heritage center for preserving region’s culture and history

  • Prince Faisal bin Mishaal highlights the ways in which the Cultural Heritage Center helps boost national pride in the Kingdom’s historical and cultural identity
  • He tours exhibits that showcase the region’s various historical eras and feature a wide range of treasures, including prehistoric and pre-Islamic artifacts

RIYADH: The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, praised a cultural center on Wednesday for the work it is doing to preserve and showcase the region’s rich history and heritage.

During a tour of the Cultural Heritage Center in Qassim he saw displays devoted to various historical eras and learned about the methods used to preserve the region’s historical and cultural assets, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The prince highlighted the important role the facility plays in shining a light on the region’s cultural heritage, and showcasing key historical artifacts dating back as far as ancient times from sites closely linked to the history and evolution of the Saudi state.

The center, which is part of the regional branch of the Saudi Heritage Commission, has displays that showcase the different historical eras of the region and feature a wide range of exhibits, including prehistoric artifacts and pre-Islamic treasures.

One exhibition is dedicated to Islamic-era Qassim, others to historic pilgrimage routes, architectural heritage sites, and the region’s intangible cultural heritage. There is also an interactive room for children, and a handicrafts section.

Prince Faisal praised the work of the Heritage Commission and highlighted the ways in which its efforts contribute to national pride in the Kingdom’s heritage and its historical identity.

He was accompanied during his visit by Ibrahim Al-Mushaikih, director of the commission’s regional branch, and other officials.

Al-Mushaikih said the governor’s visit represented a significant step in the development of the facility. He invited people from all parts of Saudi society to pay a visit and see for themselves the comprehensive information it offers about Qassim’s archaeological and heritage sites through enjoyable experiences and interactive displays.


Saudi UN envoy demands global action to protect kids in conflict zones, condemns Gaza violence

Updated 26 June 2025
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Saudi UN envoy demands global action to protect kids in conflict zones, condemns Gaza violence

  • Abdulaziz Alwasil denounces Israeli military operations in Gaza as ‘flagrant violation of international humanitarian law’
  • He emphasizes Kingdom’s commitment to application of international legal instruments, including Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols

NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, called on Wednesday for urgent international action to protect children in conflict zones, warning that failure to do so would undermine efforts to build more stable and prosperous societies.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss the effects of armed conflicts on youngsters, Alwasil emphasized the importance of protecting children, describing it as a legal obligation and moral responsibility, particularly in nations affected by prolonged violence.

During the session, UN officials detailed an unprecedented surge in the number of grave violations against children during armed conflicts worldwide.

The meeting followed the publication of a devastating annual report by the UN secretary-general’s special representative for children and armed conflict, Virginia Gamba. It documented 41,370 grave violations against children during 2024, a 25 percent increase compared with the previous year, and the highest number since the UN’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism was established in 2005.

The verified abuses of children spanned 25 countries and included killings, maiming, recruitment, abductions, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of access to humanitarian assistance.

“This year marked a devastating new record,” Gamba told council members. “Behind these numbers are the shattered stories, dreams and futures of over 22,000 children.”

She cited a sharp increase in “compounded violations,” in which children were abducted, recruited and sexually abused, often simultaneously, in the context of deteriorating humanitarian crises.

Israel was responsible for the highest number of violations by a single country against children in 2024, the report stated.

Alwasil said: “As we approach the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1612, which established mechanisms for monitoring violations against children in armed conflict, the international community must focus on two priorities: We must break the cycle of violence and create an environment that rejects extremism and fosters resilience.”

The envoy expressed appreciation for Gamba’s work, and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to the application of international legal instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols. He stressed the shared responsibility of all parties for the protection of children and for efforts to address the root causes of armed violence.

Turning to the crisis in Gaza in particular, Alwasil sharply rebuked Israeli authorities over their military operations in the territory.

“What is happening in Gaza now is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and humanitarian values,” he said.

“Civilians live under constant bombardment and a suffocating blockade, facing systematic aggression by Israeli armed forces. This has led to the deaths of 55,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.”

The war has deprived more than 1 million children in Gaza of basic necessities, including food and medicine, Alwasil said. He called for immediate international action to end the conflict, protect vulnerable populations and hold accountable those responsible for violations.

“The Kingdom affirms that the protection of children in areas of armed conflict is a legal duty that cannot be shirked, and a moral responsibility that cannot be ignored,” he concluded.

“Saudi Arabia supports all UN efforts aimed at protecting civilians, and enhancing international cooperation to respond to the suffering of children affected by war, wherever they may be.”


Replacement of the kiswa that covers Holy Kaaba at Grand Mosque in Makkah begins

The annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba started on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 26 June 2025
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Replacement of the kiswa that covers Holy Kaaba at Grand Mosque in Makkah begins

  • A team of 154 skilled Saudi craftsmen will remove the old kiswa, detach its gilded elements, and install its replacement
  • The cover is made up of 47 black-silk panels embroidered with 68 Quranic verses using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads, and weighs 1,415 kg

RIYADH: The annual ceremony to replace the kiswa, the embroidered, black-and-gold silk cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, began on Wednesday evening. It is a tradition that dates back more than a century.

The carefully coordinated process began with the removal of a section of the cloth measuring 6.35 meters by 3.33 meters that covered the Kaaba door.

The new kiswa is on its way to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support, the Saudi Press Agency reported. A team of 154 skilled Saudi craftsmen will remove the old kiswa, detach its gilded elements, and install its replacement.

The cover is made up of 47 black-silk panels, intricately embroidered with 68 Quranic verses using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. It weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.

A total of 825 kilograms of silk, 410 kilograms of raw cotton, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread and 60 kilograms of pure silver were used in the creation of the new kiswa. In addition, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.


Franco-Saudi music week unites cultures in Jeddah

Updated 25 June 2025
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Franco-Saudi music week unites cultures in Jeddah

  • French musicians and artists descend on the Kingdom’s second city
  • Week-long festivities kicked off coinciding with World Music Day

JEDDAH: A week-long music festival is celebrating the rich artistic ties between France and Saudi Arabia through a series of talks, musical performances and jam sessions in Jeddah.

Having kicked off on World Music Day – June 21 – the Music Week in Jeddah: A Franco-Saudi Celebration runs until June 27 and is hosted by the French Embassy and consulate in Jeddah in partnership with the Alliance Francaise, Art Jameel, Call of Culture, Music Home, Sout Albalad and Siddharta Lounge.

One of the featured events was a DJ session by French artist SONGE at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar on Tuesday. She told Arab News that through her music she aims “to break boundaries and create inclusive spaces where diverse voices and energies can connect.”

GUITARRAMA, the Ninth Artistic Music and Music Education Forum, hosted at Music Home on Monday, brought together a number of artists and experts.

It was spearheaded by Anouar Kablaoui, instructor at Music Home Higher Institute and founder of the forum.

Kablaoui said: “This ninth edition explores how the guitar, a traditionally Western instrument, is being reimagined within Arabic musical aesthetics, jazz vocabularies and local creative industries.”

The forum also featured Saudi jazz guitarist Aqeel Hussein, who reflected on his personal journey with jazz, beginning at an American university and continuing with his efforts to bring the genre into the Saudi musical landscape since 2004.

“This forum was an opportunity to share my story and the passion that drives me to keep performing and educating through jazz. It’s about showing how music can evolve when it crosses borders, while staying true to its roots,” Hussein told Arab News.

A performance by the student band Zakharef, formed by students of the University of Business and Technology, captured the spirit of the night. The band’s musical debut was a tribute to the Hijazi heritage and the historical charm of Jeddah’s Al-Balad, forming an emotional and lasting moment for both the performers and the audience.

Hayy Jameel is set to host an open jam session with French-Moroccan artist Karimouche on Thursday in collaboration with Hayy Sounds.

The performance promises a dynamic fusion of Eastern melodies, hip-hop, spoken word and beatbox — blending tradition and modernity in a truly global dialogue of sound.

Karimouche, the stage name of French Moroccan artist Karima Amarouche, told Arab News: “It’s an honor for me to participate in the emancipation of women in music here.”

She is known for fusing rap, spoken word, and North African rhythms in songs that explore themes of identity and resistance. She revealed that her Hayy Jameel performance will feature songs from both her latest album “Folies Berberes” and earlier works.

She also shared how her collaboration with Saudi artist Roaa Lam began: “I saw her on Instagram. I listened and thought, ‘Wow, I love this artist. She’s amazing’.”

Karimouche is deeply committed to working with women in music, both in France and abroad. “It’s important for me. There’s a sense of female solidarity. It’s an honor for me to participate in the emancipation of women in music here, and to witness the growing freedom year after year. God willing, I hope to return every year.”

Reflecting on her time in Saudi Arabia so far, she said: “The music scene here is very rich. The collaboration with the all-female band Siham in Riyadh was magical. We created new pieces together and blended our styles. Now, the same is happening here with Roaa.”

Kosh spoke to Arab News about how he imitates instruments with his unique style of beatboxing.

He explained that his journey began in childhood: “When I was a kid, I played with toy cars and made sounds … that evolved into beatboxing.”

Over the years, his talents have taken him to major venues, including the Montreux Festival in France. He now mixes beatboxing with humor, spoken word and live music.

Roaa Lam, the Saudi oud player, told Arab News about how she perceives oud and music: “For me, it’s not composition — it’s emotional storytelling”

Representing Saudi Arabia in the international collaboration, Lam is a self-taught oud player, singer, and composer who brings authenticity and deep emotion to her music.

“I compose music and collaborate with other artists,” she said.

Lam spoke about one of her most meaningful projects: A piece called Kurd Al-Tha’alib (Kurd of the Foxes), which she composed using field recordings of women’s voices in a public garden in Jeddah, before their neighborhood was demolished.

“I used the musical mode ‘Kurd’ and named the piece after the neighborhood that was called Al-Tha’alib before it was torn down,” she said.

The piece was performed at the Feminist Festival in Berlin — a milestone in her growing international presence.

She also reflected on her musical journey: “I’ve been playing oud for about six years. I taught myself. I never studied in a music school — it’s all self-expression. That’s what music is to me.”

Music Week in Jeddah is a creative crossroads. Through the voices of artists, the festival highlights the richness of cultural exchange and the transformative power of music to build empathy, connection and beauty.

As Karimouche put it: “My heart is full. The people here are respectful, kind and creative. I’ve learned so much from the Saudi artists.”

The celebration will conclude on Friday with an energetic Open Mic Night at Hayy Jameel, hosted by Slow Moe and spotlighting the emerging Saudi rap scene. This finale aims to showcase the voices of local youth and their growing impact on the global hip-hop scene.

Reflecting on the celebrations, Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Francaise de Djeddah, said: “Alliance Francaise de Djeddah is thrilled to celebrate La fete de la musique alongside its partners. It is an event that transcends borders and brings people together through the universal language of music.”

Mohammed Nehad, consul general of France in Jeddah, said the event is a “powerful symbol of the deepening friendship and cultural cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia,” adding that he hopes it will continue to “energize the local cultural scene in Jeddah.”