Criminally good: ‘The Black Rose’ wows audiences in Jeddah

Criminally good: ‘The Black Rose’ wows audiences in Jeddah
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The spectacle takes place over a massive set that includes three buildings, classic cars and a cast wearing detailed costumes that emulate the early to mid-20th century. (Supplied)
Criminally good: ‘The Black Rose’ wows audiences in Jeddah
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The spectacle takes place over a massive set that includes three buildings, classic cars and a cast wearing detailed costumes that emulate the early to mid-20th century. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 May 2023
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Criminally good: ‘The Black Rose’ wows audiences in Jeddah

Criminally good: ‘The Black Rose’ wows audiences in Jeddah
  • Period tale of gangster families in Detroit packed with amazing live-action stunts
  • Three Saudis among 25-member cast, crew

JEDDAH: “The Black Rose” show at City Walk in Jeddah puts audiences up close and personal with the thrilling and action-packed world of organized crime.

From modern classics like “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo to the hit TV series “Peaky Blinders” and “The Sopranos,” Western pop culture has carved out a genre that is fascinated by the sordid and adventurous criminal lifestyle.

“The Black Rose” brings that experience to the stage through an immersive live performance that depicts street wars between gangs and gives audiences a look at the dauntless world of cinematic stunts.

In the production, a fierce conflict erupts between two gangster families in Detroit, resulting in a sequence of events involving gunfights, explosions and fires.

The spectacle takes place over a massive set that includes three buildings, classic cars and a cast wearing detailed costumes that emulate the early to mid-20th century. It has attracted huge crowds of all ages and nationalities eager to witness the enthralling experience.

The show’s Italian director Filippo Scortichini told Arab News that “The Black Rose” was exclusively designed for Saudi Arabia’s National Events Center.

“We want to take the audience to Chicago in the 1930s through the atmosphere created, so we used the original cars of 1930 from Italy and we took the same firearms, as we wanted to reflect the Mafia and what they do at night,” he said.

Three Saudis are among the 25-member cast and crew of stunt performers.

One of them, 23-year-old actor Mohammed Adel, said: “It is my first time performing in such a huge outdoor theater and with international performers. It is such an honor.

“I have learned so many things from this experience. Although we are taking part in the same show, each one of us was keen to deliver their part in their own special way and that taught me a lot.”

Adel said the performers were also introduced to Saudi theater.

“I explained many things about our acting style here in Saudi and we both are very delighted to go through such an experience.”

Adel has been acting since the age of 18 and has mostly performed in Saudi and historical productions.

Amani Al-Zahrany, who saw the production recently, described the visual effects as “thrilling and daring.”

“The Black Rose” runs until June 6 and there are two performances per day, at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Up to 1,200 people per show can be accommodated and screens transmit Arabic translations to the audience.

The City Walk recreational area is the largest under the Jeddah Events Calendar. It has 10 entertainment sub-zones and hosts events suitable for all age groups. To find out more go to saudievents.sa.


Saudi FM, Somalia PM meet on UNGA sidelines

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday in New York.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday in New York.
Updated 47 min 4 sec ago
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Saudi FM, Somalia PM meet on UNGA sidelines

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday in New York.
  • Officials discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields of cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday in New York.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the two officials discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields of cooperation.

They also discussed aspects of consolidating bilateral and multilateral work and reviewed important international developments.


Libraries Commission launches audio services tool

Libraries Commission launches audio services tool
Updated 21 September 2023
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Libraries Commission launches audio services tool

Libraries Commission launches audio services tool
  • The device allows library and park visitors to benefit from the audio services provided in an accessible and easy way
  • The launch of the device is a continuation of the second phase launched by the commission this year in Al-Ahsa

RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Libraries Commission Abdulrahman Al-Asem has launched a device created from the audio library booths “Masmou” project at the King Fahd National Library Park in Riyadh.
The device allows library and park visitors to benefit from the audio services provided in an accessible and easy way.
The launch of the device is a continuation of the second phase launched by the commission this year in Al-Ahsa, to be followed by many devices in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province. It is also one of the strategic initiatives of the commission aiming to provide library services in gathering places.
Through “Masmou,” the commission seeks to introduce audio content and facilitate access to knowledge for different community groups in all regions of the Kingdom by providing audiobooks in distinctive locations, as well as reviving cultural heritage in an innovative way.
The idea of the audio library booths project was inspired by the telephone booths of the Ministry of Telegraph, Post, and Telephone in the 1980s and the 1990s, as they were commonly available and easy to use.
The “Masmou” booths allow users to listen to audio content via mobile phone, by browsing content according to duration, topic, most listened to, and other categories. Users can then choose the desired audio file, with the ability to listen to a short clip directly via the device or scan the QR code to listen to the entire audio file via mobile phone.
 


Manga Productions secures exclusive rights to distribute ‘Captain Tsubasa’ in MENA

Manga Productions secures exclusive rights to distribute ‘Captain Tsubasa’ in MENA
Updated 21 September 2023
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Manga Productions secures exclusive rights to distribute ‘Captain Tsubasa’ in MENA

Manga Productions secures exclusive rights to distribute ‘Captain Tsubasa’ in MENA
  • Partnership ‘in line with our vision to inspire and nurture the heroes of tomorrow,’ says CEO Essam Bukhary
  • “Captain Tsubasa,” once adapted into Arabic as “Captain Majid” and a fan favorite in Arab countries since the 1980s, is renowned for its thrilling soccer matches and moving stories

RIYADH: Saudi company Manga Productions has secured distribution and other rights for the Japanese sports anime series “Captain Tsubasa” in the MENA region.
In partnership with Tsubasa Corporation and Dentsu Inc., Manga Productions will manage the distribution, licensing and promotion of “Captain Tsubasa” season one and “Captain Tsubasa: Junior Youth Arc” season two.
Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said the anime series has inspired readers and viewers for over 40 years.
“Our collaboration is an affirmation of Manga Productions’ commitment to broadening its portfolio and working with leading creative content companies. This partnership is in line with our vision to inspire and nurture the heroes of tomorrow,” he said.
Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, director of marketing, distribution and business development at Manga Productions, said the company recognizes the “deep love and nostalgia” fans have for the series.
“Captain Tsubasa,” once adapted into Arabic as “Captain Majid” and a fan favorite in Arab countries since the 1980s, is renowned for its thrilling soccer matches and moving stories. The series is set to attract a new generation of viewers.
Alnaghmoosh said: “Our collaboration aims to reignite a passion for soccer in the hearts of both new and old fans. We are thrilled to be a part of this project and to bring this work to the MENA region.”
“Captain Tsubasa,” created by Yoichi Takahashi, has sold over 90 million copies worldwide in both print and digital formats since it was first published in 1981.
The series follows the protagonist Tsubasa Oozora and a host of players as they engage in intense battles on the field and grow as characters through their rivalries.


Saudi aid chief, WFP CEO discuss relief and humanitarian efforts

Saudi aid chief, WFP CEO discuss relief and humanitarian efforts
Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi aid chief, WFP CEO discuss relief and humanitarian efforts

Saudi aid chief, WFP CEO discuss relief and humanitarian efforts
  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah met Cindy Hensley McCain on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York
  • Al-Rabeeah and McCain discussed strengthening cooperation and joint coordination in the humanitarian and relief fields in countries in need

NEW YORK: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Saudi Royal Court and supervisor general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, met World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy Hensley McCain on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation and joint coordination in the humanitarian and relief fields in countries in need. They also talked about the latest developments in the humanitarian projects implemented between them.

Al-Rabeeah also participated in a high-level session, under the slogan “Saving Souls … Responding to Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Circumstances,” which was held at the UN Population Fund headquarters in New York.


Oman guest of honor at Riyadh book fair 

Children select books at the Riyadh International Book Fair. (File/AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
Children select books at the Riyadh International Book Fair. (File/AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
Updated 21 September 2023
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Oman guest of honor at Riyadh book fair 

Children select books at the Riyadh International Book Fair. (File/AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
  • Choosing Oman as guest of honor highlights the historical ties and brotherly relations that bind the two countries
  • Oman’s pavilion will feature books, manuscripts and representations of its national culture

RIYADH: Oman will be the guest of honor at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 to be held at King Saud University from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced. 

Titled “An Inspiring Destination,” the fair will be the largest in the Kingdom and Arab world in terms of the diversity of cultural programs and range of activities.

Choosing Oman as guest of honor highlights the historical ties and brotherly relations that bind the two countries, and reflects the cultural exchange and mutual cooperation, the commission said. 

Oman’s pavilion will feature books, manuscripts and representations of its national culture, while a number of publishing houses will present their latest publications and books to more than 1 million visitors.

The book fair will feature more than 1,800 publishing houses, as well as a rich cultural program with dozens of events for all age groups. 

Visitors will be able to enjoy poetry evenings with classical and Nabati poets, Saudi and international plays, concerts and music workshops, and dialogue sessions led by Saudi, Arab and international speakers. 

Publishing houses, agencies and cultural institutions will present their latest publications, and display rare and precious collectibles, such as books, manuscripts and paintings. 

Book signing platforms will allow writers to sign their latest publications for readers. 

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will present awards to outstanding publishers during the fair, covering five categories of excellence in publishing.

An international publishers’ conference on Oct. 4 on the sidelines of the book fair will discuss aspects of the book industry and the challenges facing publishing houses. 

The exhibition is sponsored by Roshn Group as a community partner, the Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies as a cultural partner, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) as a creative partner, and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority as the heritage partner.