“Glory of a Nation 1744” A Theatrical Extravaganza of Oman’s Identity

“Glory of a Nation 1744” A Theatrical Extravaganza of Oman’s Identity
The fifth edition of the Al-Dan International Festival opened its doors under the theme “Welcome, World, to the Sultanate of Oman,” bringing international attention to a week that celebrates theatre in all its forms. Yet for many in the audience, the festival’s true heartbeat emerged the moment the stage lights rose on the national operetta “Glory of a Nation 1744.”
From its first musical swell, the operetta established itself not simply as an opening act, but as a statement performance, a vivid, youth-driven narrative that fused Oman’s history with contemporary musical expression.

Written by the talented Mahfoudh Al-Yahyaei, composed by Abdulaziz Al-Abkal, arranged by Khalid Breisem, and directed ever so ingeniously by Montasir Al-Balushi, the work was brought to life by 15 performers whose collective presence filled the theatre with movement, harmony, and emotional intensity. Produced by Phoenix Bird Company, the operetta stood as proof that small and medium creative enterprises can deliver large-scale national art with precision and heart.
The operetta unfolded in four chapters which were artistically deemed as portraits, each constructed as a scene of a larger cultural narrative.

“Land of Sultans” the opening and longest portrait immediately ignited the hall. With six minutes of sweeping choreography, layered vocals, and dramatic staging, it charted the early journey of the Al-Busaidi state. From the stage lights that were beaming in the Omani flag colors to the men and women dressed in traditional clothing and signing in authentic Omani lyrics, the crowd was set ablaze with the scent of patriotism and exhilaration. Soon enough, the audience responded instinctively: applause rising mid-performance, voices joining the chorus, a rush of shared pride rippling through the space.
The second portrait, “Loyalty and Belonging,” softened the tempo with children leading the stage. Their sincerity transformed the theatre into an intimate portrait of devotion, proving that patriotism can be gentle, honest, and deeply moving.
In “Oath of Devotion,” warm lighting and rich vocal arrangements created a reflective tribute to Oman and its Sultan, calm, dignified, and emotionally resonant.

Finally, “Oman: Glory and History” closed the operetta as a triumphant arc of music and motion, reminding the audience that the nation’s story continues to evolve with each new generation.
As the curtain fell and the applause swelled, speaking to Oman Observer, renowned Omani actress and thespian Fakhriya Khamis showed tremendous enthusiasm to share her invaluable thoughts on the larger-than-life performance, her words shaped directly by what she had just witnessed.
She spoke with evident warmth about how beautifully the operetta represented Oman, emphasizing the emotional connection between the performers and the audience. There was, she said, a kind of gentle melancholy and pride interwoven into the scenes, the kind that makes history feel personal rather than distant.

She praised the musical craftsmanship and the Ministry’s production, noting that the performance condensed Oman’s story into an artistic language that felt authentic and accessible. What moved her most was how naturally the Al-Dan troupe continues to surprise audiences, “always presenting something impressive, with depth, with creativity, with heart.”
Her admiration was not isolated, it mirrored the mood of the hall, still buzzing with applause and conversation about the operetta’s impact.
Similarly, in his opening remarks, Mohammed bin Salem al Nabhani, chairman of both the troupe and the festival, reflected on thirty years of dedication that brought the troupe to this moment. His words about passion and perseverance gaining global reach resonated even more strongly after the operetta’s finale.
By the end of the night, “Glory of a Nation 1744” had distinguished itself as not just an artistic offering but a cultural anchor, one that reintroduced Oman’s history through the voices, rhythms, and imaginations of its youth. It opened the festival not with mere ceremony, but with substantial soul.

Photos by Abdulwahed Al Hamdani