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Ammon News - The art production tells the story of the various stages of state building followed in the kingdom over the past one hundred years, thearabweekly reported.

As part of its celebration of the centenary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Jordanian ministry of culture is presenting an original operetta production titled “My homeland … is a sun” (Watani Shams).

The production is intended to document Jordanian history for future generations.

The operetta highlights the role of geography and history in the land of Jordan as a mosaic of many civilisations that have left their archaeological imprint in many places in the country, according to thearabweekly.

The operetta focuses on the events of the Great Arab Revolt, shedding light on the role of the late King Sharif Hussein bin Ali al-Hashemi in establishing the Arab project and liberating the Arabs from the yoke of pan-Turanism and its national ambitions, all the way to the modern Jordanian state.

The ministry of culture’s art production tells the story of the various stages of state building followed in the kingdom over the past one hundred years. King Abdullah I appears on stage reciting the Independence speech, later followed by King Talal and King Hussein, up to the present King Abdullah II.

The operetta depicts many important episodes in Jordan’s history and civilisation, starting from the first tableau that reenacts the glories of the people of Jordan and their heroism in fighting injustice and aggression, highlighting the sacrifices of ancestors in order to achieve victory and consolidate and preserve the characteristics of the state.

Other tableaus present the Holy River, the immortal Jordan River where Jesus was baptised, passing through the era of the Nabataeans. The scenes reflect the depth of the Jordanians’ connection to their land and how they built their cities, until the dawn of Islam and the role of Jordan and its soldiers in the conquests since the Battle of Mutah and Sharhabeel and other key events during that period.

The operetta features a collection of patriotic songs and musical pieces.

The last tableau presents the resolve of Jordanians as epitomised by the firm attitude of soldiers and teachers, who have always been a shield to protect the Jordanian state.

Minister of Culture, Ali Al-Ayed, explained, “This production, which was part of the national plan to celebrate the centenary of the Jordanian state, is one of the most important productions that the ministry of culture has been honoured to present on this important occasion, as a way of reflecting our keenness on the importance of the history of Jordan from the beginning. Since the early days of humanity, Jordanians took their first steps on this land and inscribed letters on its rocks and mountains, leaving us their material and immaterial heritage.”

Ayed stressed, “the importance of celebrating this occasion and presenting an epic art production that narrates Jordan’s history and presents important examples of its civilisation through a refined artistic style and music that reproduces Jordan’s memory and human sacrifices.”

He added, “Jordan, which is considered one of the most ancient countries in the region with its heritage, values ​​and political system, must record its memory for future generations.”

The operetta “Watani Shams” is considered the beginning of the tradition of Jordanian musical theatre. It is the first work composed and sung based on the poems of the founding King Abdullah I. It was directed by Muhammad Al-Damour, composed by Linda Hijazi with the words of the late poet Grace Samawi and poet Ahmed Al-Faouri.

Members of the Independence Troupe, added their touch with dance performances and artistic tableaus.