For two weeks, curiosity became a rehearsal, imagination found its voice, and the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat transformed into a doorway to Wonderland.
As the curtain rose on the final performance of ALICE, nearly 100 children, performers, educators, university students and volunteers brought Wonderland to life on stage. Through playful characters, enchanting music and imaginative storytelling, the production revealed the transformative power of the performing arts, nurturing confidence, creativity and connection among its young participants.
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, the production, created by the acclaimed Italian theatre company Venti Lucenti, was far more than a theatrical adaptation. It was a celebration of learning through creativity, where every rehearsal became a lesson in teamwork and every costume stitched together stories from different cultures.
Directed by Manu Lalli, the production blended theatre, music and movement with compositions by Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Rossini, Offenbach, Stravinsky, Rota and Silvestrov. This year’s Summer Camp also marked a significant milestone with the Royal Opera House Muscat Children’s Choir joining the programme for the first time under vocal coach Marcella Polidori and pianist Andrea Boi, enriching the performance with youthful harmonies.
The magic of ALICE was not only found in its storytelling, but also in the visual and musical language that shaped the world on stage. The colourful costumes transformed the young performers into a collection of unforgettable characters, from the curious Alice to the eccentric Mad Hatter and the playful rabbits, adding layers of charm and imagination to every scene. The choreography brought energy and movement to the production, allowing the young cast to express themselves beyond words, while the carefully selected musical pieces created an atmosphere that shifted between wonder, mystery and joy. Together, the performances, costumes and melodies formed a vibrant tapestry that transported audiences into a dreamlike world while highlighting the creativity and dedication of the young performers.
The spirit of collaboration extended beyond the stage. Five Omani university students worked alongside Italian filmmakers Francesca Nesler and Zoe Bellei to document the experience, gaining valuable hands-on training while preserving the memories created behind the curtains.
For audience member Nashwa Al Sharji, Marketing and Communication Officer, the performance’s greatest achievement lay in watching every element unite seamlessly.
“The show was amazing. I loved how the kids worked on everything, from the dance and the play to the acting. Everything was so organised,” she said. “My favourite part was the ending because you could finally see the full picture, with all the children participating together.”
Her words echoed what unfolded on stage. Like the final pieces of a colourful mosaic, each child, regardless of previous experience, became an essential part of a larger masterpiece.
Audience member Azza Al Harthy found herself revisiting a story that generations have cherished.
“It was amazing,” she said. “We all grew up knowing Alice in Wonderland, and to see it performed live here in Oman by our own children was so entertaining.” Although she admitted she was slightly biased towards “the little kids and the rabbits,” it was clear that the entire production had rekindled a sense of childhood wonder.
The Summer Camp reflects the Royal Opera House Muscat’s enduring commitment to education through the arts, creating opportunities where international collaboration meets local talent. Two Omani actors performed alongside the young cast, demonstrating that the stage can become both a classroom and a meeting place for cultures.
“As we conclude a magnificent 2025–2026 season, our annual Summer Camp remains the ultimate celebration of youth and creativity,” said Director General Umberto Fanni. “Featuring Venti Lucenti’s adaptation of ALICE has opened new horizons of inspiration for these young minds.”
In Lewis Carroll’s tale, Alice follows a rabbit into the unknown. At the Royal Opera House Muscat, a new generation followed that same path, not simply into Wonderland, but into a future where imagination, confidence and creativity take centre stage.
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