Artist-in-Residence Amir ElSaffar presents Ruins أطلال: A Maqam Opera in Arabic (Concert Version)

Ruins (اطلال) is a three-act opera in Arabic, based on the epic 7th-century Arabic poems known as Al-Mu'allaqat, but set in the modern era. The opera reimagines pre-Islamic odes in the contemporary Arab world, as experienced by a young woman forced into exile and separated from her family and lover. The story begins in a refugee camp and follows her treacherous journey across the sea while her homeland is embroiled in war. The music of Ruins incorporates the maqam vocal style, as opposed to lyri