The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will screen two episodes of ‘Sons of Sindbad’ at the House of Musical Arts next to the Royal
on September 29 at 6.30 pm.
‘Sons of Sindbad’ retraces Oman's vital role in seafaring, trade and diplomacy over more than a millennium. Filmed in authentic locations from Oman to Zanzibar, Portugal to China, the series highlights the openness, tolerance and resilience of Omani history.
The 52-minute first episode ‘Monsoon Empire' explores the early centuries of Islamic seafaring through the life of Abu Ubayda al Qassim, an Omani merchant mentioned in a 9th-century chronicle. It traces Oman's flourishing trade with China along the Maritime Silk Road.
The 40-minute episode titled ‘The Route to India’ will focus on the famed navigator Ahmad ibn Majid and Imam Nasser bin Murshid, and is an attempt to examine the confrontation between Omani seafarers and Portuguese colonisers in the Indian Ocean. It shows how unity and resilience helped Oman regain its independence.
There will be a pre-screening talk with the creative team and lead actor, which offers rare insights into the making of ‘Sons of Sindbad’ and the stories behind Oman's maritime heritage.
Some of the speakers include Friedrich Klütsch, a German film-maker and historian, and Juma al Maskari, an Omani scholar and cultural historian, who co-wrote the script and served as Assistant Director.
The panel will also comprise Dr Hussain al Salmi, CEO of Majd and Deputy Rector for Administration and Finance at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech). Dr Al Salmi has long championed cultural and educational projects that highlight Omani heritage. Issa al Nabhani, the lead actor who portrays the role of merchant Abu Ubayda al Qassim, brings to life the resilience and vision of Oman's early sailors.
Together, their insights will shed light on Oman's seafaring past and the enduring spirit of Sindbad, connecting history, culture and performance in anticipation of ROHM's new opera.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
