DUBAI: A new musical celebrating the life and career of music icon Dalida will premiere in Egypt this autumn, marking the 40th anniversary of the singer's death.
“Dalida: The Song That Never Ends” was unveiled at a press conference at the French Embassy in Cairo on Sunday, attended by French Ambassador Eric Chevalier, internationally acclaimed opera singer Farrah El-Dibany, director Khairy Beshara and writer Walid Khairy.
The Egypt-France co-production has been developed as part of the 2026 Mediterranean Season, a French-led cultural initiative designed to celebrate artistic collaboration and the shared heritage of Mediterranean countries.
The production will debut at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on Oct. 31 before moving to Cairo for performances in November. The Alexandria premiere will also serve as the closing event of this year's Mediterranean Season.
“Dalida: The Song That Never Ends” was unveiled at a press conference at the French Embassy in Cairo on Sunday. (Supplied)
According to a released statement, Ambassador Chevalier described the project as an example of the strong cultural ties between France and Egypt, saying it reflects a shared commitment to preserving Dalida's artistic legacy.
El-Dibany said portraying the legendary singer had been a childhood dream. She explained that she first approached Beshara with the idea before the pair developed the project with writer Walid Khairy.
Beshara described Dalida as a woman of contrasts, combining vulnerability with strength throughout her life and career. He credited Khairy's script with capturing the complexity of her personality and helping bring the production to life.
Khairy said the musical explores lesser-known chapters of Dalida's story while celebrating the Egyptian roots that remained central to her identity despite her international success. Created under the banner of 26One1 Company, the show follows her journey from Egypt to global fame.
The production will also feature new musical arrangements by French-Armenian pianist and composer Andre Manoukian.
Announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2023, the Mediterranean Season promotes cultural exchange across the region through exhibitions, performances and artistic collaborations, with this year's program placing particular emphasis on creativity, youth and cross-cultural partnerships.
