{"id":24517,"date":"2026-06-06T14:38:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T12:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/?page_id=24517"},"modified":"2026-06-16T13:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T11:26:17","slug":"booklet-tarab","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/en\/booklet-tarab\/","title":{"rendered":"Booklet: \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ Tarab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H5324-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24492\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H5324-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H5324-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H5324-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H5324-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H5324-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Peter van Heesen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Still&nbsp;little&nbsp;known&nbsp;in the Western&nbsp;world, the&nbsp;singer&nbsp;Umm&nbsp;Kulthum\u202f\u202f\u2013\u202foften&nbsp;referred&nbsp;to as the \u201cCallas&nbsp;of Egypt\u201d\u202f\u2013\u202fis&nbsp;one of the greatest icons of classical &nbsp;Arabic&nbsp;music.&nbsp;Not only is she an example of a disadvantaged young woman who made it to the top within a patriarchally dominated artistic field, she also became a model of change and empowerment for women across the globe<em>.<\/em>&nbsp;Umm&nbsp;Kulthum\u2019s&nbsp;influence,&nbsp;which&nbsp;helped&nbsp;inspire&nbsp;genuine&nbsp;social&nbsp;change and a sense of togetherness,&nbsp;extended&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;political&nbsp;sphere:&nbsp;she&nbsp;engaged&nbsp;in vibrant&nbsp;solidarity&nbsp;and&nbsp;influential&nbsp;public actions,&nbsp;advocating&nbsp;for&nbsp;a society in&nbsp;which&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate\u202f\u2013\u202fjust&nbsp;as in her&nbsp;songs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today,&nbsp;it&nbsp;seems&nbsp;more important&nbsp;than&nbsp;ever&nbsp;to&nbsp;activate&nbsp;the&nbsp;boundary-crossing power of&nbsp;this&nbsp;exceptional&nbsp;artist&nbsp;and&nbsp;to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;people&nbsp;in Berlin-Neuk\u00f6lln&nbsp;into&nbsp;a trance-like state of&nbsp;collective&nbsp;ecstasy.&nbsp;\u0637\u0631\u0628&nbsp;\/&nbsp;TARAB&nbsp;creates&nbsp;a collage of diverse Umm&nbsp;Kulthum&nbsp;songs&nbsp;for&nbsp;three&nbsp;singer-performers&nbsp;accompanied&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Berlin-based&nbsp;ensemble&nbsp;transmusica.&nbsp;A performance that weaves music through through&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;scenography,&nbsp;movement&nbsp;and&nbsp;sensual&nbsp;dramatic&nbsp;languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u062d\u062a\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0622\u0646 \u0645\u0627\u0632\u0627\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0644\u0645 \u0627\u0644\u063a\u0631\u0628\u064a \u0644\u0627 \u064a\u0639\u0631\u0641 \u0627\u0644\u0643\u062b\u064a\u0631 \u0639\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0637\u0631\u0628\u0629 \u0623\u0645 \u0643\u0644\u062b\u0648\u0645 \u2013 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062a\u064a \u0643\u062b\u064a\u0631\u0627 \u0645\u0627 \u0623\u064f\u0637\u0644\u0642 \u0639\u0644\u064a\u0647\u0627 \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u063a\u0631\u0628 \u201d\u0645\u0627\u0631\u064a\u0627 \u0643\u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633 \u0645\u0635\u0631\u201c- \u0648\u0647\u064a \u0648\u0627\u062d\u062f\u0629 \u0645\u0646 \u0623\u0639\u0638\u0645 \u0623\u064a\u0642\u0648\u0646\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0648\u0633\u064a\u0642\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0643\u0644\u0627\u0633\u064a\u0643\u064a\u0629 \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0637\u0644\u0627\u0642. \u0641\u0647\u064a \u0644\u064a\u0633\u062a \u0641\u0642\u0637 \u0645\u062b\u0627\u0644\u0627 \u0644\u0644\u0645\u0631\u0623\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u064a \u062d\u0642\u0642\u062a \u0635\u0639\u0648\u062f\u0627 \u0627\u062c\u062a\u0645\u0627\u0639\u064a\u0627 \u0648\u0627\u0642\u062a\u0635\u0627\u062f\u064a\u0627 \u0628\u0627\u0645\u062a\u064a\u0627\u0632 \u062f\u0627\u062e\u0644 \u0648\u0633\u0637 \u0641\u0646\u064a \u064a\u0633\u064a\u0637\u0631 \u0639\u0644\u064a\u0647 \u0627\u0644\u0641\u0643\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0628\u0648\u064a\u060c \u0644\u0643\u0646\u0647\u0627 \u0622\u0635\u0628\u062d\u062a \u0623\u064a\u0636\u0627 \u0646\u0645\u0648\u0630\u062c\u0627 \u0644\u0644\u062a\u063a\u064a\u064a\u0631 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062a\u0645\u0643\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0646\u0633\u0627\u0621 \u0639\u0628\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0644\u0645. \u0644\u0642\u062f \u0643\u0627\u0646\u062a \u0623\u0645 \u0643\u0644\u062b\u0648\u0645 \u0645\u0644\u0647\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062a\u063a\u064a\u064a\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u062c\u062a\u0645\u0627\u0639\u064a \u0648\u0644\u0644\u0625\u062d\u0633\u0627\u0633 \u0628\u0627\u0644\u0631\u0648\u062d \u0627\u0644\u062c\u0645\u0639\u064a\u0629\u060c \u0643\u0645\u0627 \u0627\u0645\u062a\u062f \u062a\u0623\u062b\u064a\u0631\u0647\u0627 \u0646\u062d\u0648 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0648\u0627\u0626\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0633\u064a\u0627\u0633\u064a\u0629 \u062d\u064a\u062b \u0627\u0646\u062e\u0631\u0637\u062a \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0636\u0627\u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0648\u0637\u0646\u064a \u0648\u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0634\u0627\u0637 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645 \u0642\u0648\u064a \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0623\u062b\u064a\u0631\u060c \u0644\u0643\u064a \u062a\u062f\u0627\u0641\u0639 \u0639\u0646 \u0645\u062c\u062a\u0645\u0639 \u064a\u0645\u0643\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u062c\u0645\u064a\u0639 \u0641\u064a\u0647 \u0623\u0646 \u064a\u0634\u0627\u0631\u0643\u060c \u062a\u0645\u0627\u0645\u0627 \u0645\u062b\u0644\u0645\u0627 \u0643\u0627\u0646\u062a \u0623\u063a\u0627\u0646\u064a\u0647\u0627 \u0645\u062c\u0627\u0644\u0627 \u064a\u062a\u0633\u0639 \u0644\u062c\u0645\u064a\u0639 \u0641\u0626\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062c\u062a\u0645\u0639 \u0648\u0637\u0628\u0642\u0627\u062a\u0647<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0627\u0644\u064a\u0648\u0645 \u064a\u0628\u062f\u0648 \u0644\u0646\u0627 \u0636\u0631\u0648\u0631\u064a\u0627 \u0623\u0643\u062b\u0631 \u0645\u0646 \u0623\u064a \u0648\u0642\u062a \u0645\u0636\u0649 \u0623\u0646 \u0646\u062d\u064a\u064a \u0623\u062b\u0631 \u062a\u0644\u0643 \u0627\u0644\u0641\u0646\u0627\u0646\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0628\u0631\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u062f\u0648\u062f\u060c \u0648\u0623\u0646 \u0646\u0642\u062f\u0645 \u0644\u062c\u0645\u0647\u0648\u0631 \u0628\u0631\u0644\u064a\u0646 \u0648\u0646\u0648\u064a\u0643\u0648\u0644\u0646 \u062d\u0627\u0644\u0629 \u0647\u064a \u0623\u0642\u0631\u0628 \u0625\u0644\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0634\u0648\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062c\u0645\u0627\u0639\u064a\u0629. \u064a\u062e\u0644\u0642 \u201d\u0637\u0631\u0628\u201c \u0643\u0648\u0644\u0627\u062c \u0645\u0646 \u0623\u063a\u0646\u064a\u0627\u062a \u0645\u062a\u0646\u0648\u0639\u0629 \u0644\u0623\u0645 \u0643\u0644\u062b\u0648\u0645 \u064a\u0624\u062f\u064a\u0647\u0627 \u062b\u0644\u0627\u062b\u064a \u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u063a\u0646\u064a\u0627\u062a \u0628\u0645\u0635\u0627\u062d\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0646\u0633\u0627\u0645\u0628\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0648\u0633\u064a\u0642\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0628\u0631\u0644\u064a\u0646\u064a \u201d\u062a\u0631\u0627\u0646\u0633\u0645\u0648\u0632\u064a\u0643\u0627\u201c. \u0625\u0646\u0647 \u0639\u0631\u0636 \u064a\u063a\u0632\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0648\u0633\u064a\u0642\u0649 \u0645\u0639 \u0627\u0644\u0633\u064a\u0646\u0648\u063a\u0631\u0627\u0641\u064a\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u062b\u0631\u0629 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062d\u0631\u0643\u0629 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0644\u063a\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0631\u0627\u0645\u064a\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u0633\u064a\u0629<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4696-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24497\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4696-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4696-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4696-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4696-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4696-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Peter van Heesen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE FUNDAMENT ON WHICH WE ALL STAND ON<\/strong><br><strong>Umm Kulthum\u2019s Songs at the Neuk\u00f6llner Oper<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Dennis Depta, dramaturg at the Neuk\u00f6llner Oper and of \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Forget the Beatles!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the first season under the artistic direction of Rainer Simon at the Neuk\u00f6llner Oper, something truly special was to take place. Something that takes the theatre\u2019s name literally: being an opera house for Neuk\u00f6lln, programming primarily for the residents of this district. \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB is an invitation, a gift to Neuk\u00f6lln. But of course, this evening also opens up a new universe for people who do not yet know Umm Kulthum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Umm Kulthum\u2019s songs were already there when the Neuk\u00f6llner Oper opened its doors in the second half of the 20th century. The icon is omnipresent in the Arab world, especially since Radio Cairo began broadcasting in 1934 and Umm Kulthum sang live every Thursday evening for two hours into the ether and directly into people\u2019s hearts. Her music is unique, created from nothing by her and the composers and lyricists around her. This music did not exist before, and after her funeral in 1974 it never existed again. Even today, we still hear the \u201coriginal\u201d singing up and down Karl-Marx-Stra\u00dfe\u2014from kebab shops, grocery stores, clothing stores\u2014somewhere between Arabic classical music, live improvisation, troubadour song, and pop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHer music is there. You cannot avoid it. It is the foundation on which we all stand,\u201d says Nesrine Belmokh, cellist and singer, but above all composer of \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB. For this production she has brought Umm Kulthum into the 21st century\u2014with drums, bass, keys, ney, clarinet, oud, Arabic violin, and string quartet. The Berlin ensemble transmusica no longer follows the melody melodically but provides harmony and strong rhythm for the recomposition. The three voices of Mireille Bittar, Rita El-Achkar, and Waed Bouhassoun can now directly sit on top of the verticalized musical structure. And so a machine starts rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Belmokh, who had to meticulously notate Umm Kulthum\u2019s score note by note, discovered how precisely everything had been constructed\u2014the smallest ornamentation. So much for improvisation! About 10 of Umm Kulthum\u2019s roughly 300 songs were woven into the 80-minute collage \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB, directed by Sjaron Minailo as a choreographed movement piece. Hits such as <em>Enta Omri<\/em> or <em>Alf Leila wa Leila<\/em> are performed, but also lesser-known pieces worth discovering, such as the prayer-like <em>Bi Radek<\/em>. There is also a song by Nesrine herself: <em>Le\u00efla<\/em> from the 2024 album <em>Kan Ya Makan<\/em>, inspired by the \u201cCallas of Egypt.\u201d The selection of songs and lyrics was made jointly by director and composer and embedded into the evening\u2019s poetic dramaturgy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This is not a biopic!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Umm Kulthum succeeded in transporting her listeners into another state of being through her voice alone. \u201cTarab\u201d is the Arabic term for this state. It describes a collective ecstasy, a losing oneself in the beauty of art. Her live songs often lasted between 45 and 60 minutes. She worked with improvised extensions, tension-building delays, and extreme repetition. The orchestra followed her melodic lead. No two concerts were alike. And audiences would faint in waves, becoming overwhelmed and transported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Umm Kulthum\u2019s songs are the material of this production, which now attempts to generate ecstasy through theatrical means. This is therefore not a biopic! And yet every note carries the immense legacy of the Egyptian singer. A woman who, as a child, disguised herself as a boy to attend Quran lessons, and later used elements of Quranic recitation in her vocal ornamentation, thereby redrawing the boundaries of 20th-century music. A story of a woman who made it all the way up in a patriarchal system. Who jazzed however she wanted. Umm Kulthum remains a role model who still electrifies and empowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yet at some point I hear that first small \u201cbut\u201d\u2014for the first time in months in Neuk\u00f6lln. Singer Rita El-Achkar says: \u201cI felt a bit distant to Umm Kulthum. Nesrine is giving Umm Kulthum\u2019s songs a second chance for a younger generation to rediscover the beauty of it.\u201d So even the icon is being reshaped in order to transfer her art into the 21st century and bring it back to life. This is material recognition and reactivation in the best Brechtian sense\u2014opposite of museum-like art. Recomposition galore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A glimpse into other worlds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Umm Kulthum\u2019s songs, everything revolves around L-O-V-E. Every song is a fragment of heartbreak. They speak of romantic relationships, but also much more broadly about human touch, injury, and the experiences that follow. These relationships are deeply human and part of every listener\u2019s self-discovery. \u201cBeing abandoned by you is better than being abandoned by myself,\u201d Umm Kulthum sings. And at the Neuk\u00f6lln Opera, it is Mireille Bittar, Rita El-Achkar, and Waed Bouhassoun who, through singing, relive their own life stages of affection, love, and farewell. Umm Kulthum has also shaped and accompanied their lives\u2014first in Syria and Egypt, later in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The whole piece is meditative and opens up many layers of meaning and association. This can be related both to the performers\u2019 lives and to one\u2019s own life\u2014the missed opportunities, the chosen paths. There is much to interpret, yet not everything can be decoded. Some viewers may find this frustrating. But they do not have to, because the deep blue stage design by Shahrzad Rahmani conveys calm, trust, and clarity amidst all the intersecting paths, the never-ending threads, the building blocks that constantly recombine in different ways but never the same. Our lives, like this stage space, are never finished, even though we keep working on them endlessly. Even the blue gate at the center of the stage has seen much, and yet is still not fully woven. A little light still passes through. And so it remains a gateway to the sphere of music that the ensemble transmusica sends from the back of the stage, expanding our lives with this dimension. And at the same time, it remains a view into other worlds into which this music can lead us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VH56224-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24491\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VH56224-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VH56224-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VH56224-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VH56224-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VH56224-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Peter van Heesen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB \u202f\u2013\u202fPoems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Nora Amin, performer, choreographer, author, theatre director, novelist, poet, as well as scholar, researcher, lecturer, and dramaturg of \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following poems were created by author Nora Amin who wrote them in original Arabic, and then re-wrote them in original English, as they represent her vision of the songs of Umm Kulthum in TARAB being all a connected thread of experiences within a path of self-exploration, transformation and transcendence in a Sufi sense.&nbsp;The German translation was prepared by Amin together with Dennis Depta based on the English poems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of the following poems\u202f\u2013\u202fprojected during the performance as a dramatic and narrative element\u202f\u2013\u202f compose one step on the way towards transcendence, and may be even ecstasy where love, in its largest holistic sense, is a supreme act of being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u062f\u0639 \u0635\u0648\u062a\u064a \u064a\u064f\u0628\u0644\u0650\u063a \u0645\u0642\u0635\u062f\u064a \u0648\u0645\u0646\u0627\u064a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let my voice convey my purpose and my longing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lasst meine Stimme meine Absicht und meine Sehnsucht zum Ausdruck bringen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Second <strong>Step<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0628\u064a\u0646\u0645\u0627 \u064a\u0635\u0628\u062d \u0627\u0644\u062d\u0628 \u062c\u0641\u0627\u0621<br>\u064a\u062a\u062d\u0648\u0644 \u0642\u0644\u0628\u064a \u0644\u0646\u0633\u064a\u0627\u0646<br>\u0623\u0635\u0628\u062d \u0623\u0646\u0627 \u0646\u0633\u064a\u0627\u0646\u0627\u064b<br>\u064a\u062a\u0648\u0642 \u0644\u0623\u0646 \u064a\u0646\u0633\u0627\u0643<br>\u0648\u064a\u0646\u0633\u0627\u0646\u064a \u0645\u0639\u0643.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As love turns to harshness<br>My heart becomes forgetfulness<br>Forgetfulness becomes me<br>Longing to the forgetfulness of you<br>And me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wenn Liebe in H\u00e4rte umschl\u00e4gt<br>Vergesslichkeit wird aus meinem Herzen<br>Vergesslichkeit wird zu mir<br>Sehnsucht nach deiner Vergessenheit&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Und meiner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Third <strong>Step<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0623\u0641\u0642\u062f \u0627\u0644\u0625\u062d\u0633\u0627\u0633 \u0628\u0627\u0644\u0632\u0645\u0646<br>\u0623\u0632\u062f\u0647\u0631 \u0641\u064a \u0646\u0634\u0648\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u0628<br>\u0623\u062a\u0648\u0647 \u0641\u064a \u0644\u0645\u0633\u0627\u062a\u0643\u060c \u064a\u062a\u062c\u0644\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0645\u0644<br>\u0641\u064a \u0647\u0630\u064a\u0627\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0646\u0627\u0642 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0645\u062a\u062f<br>\u0647\u0630\u0627 \u0645\u0642\u0635\u062f\u064a\u060c \u0648\u0643\u0644\u064a \u0634\u0648\u0642.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I lose the sense of time<br>While thriving in the ecstasy of love.<br>Lost in your touch, my hope manifests.<br>Hypnotised by this never ending embrace.<br>For myself, this is the purpose that I crave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ich verliere jedes Zeitgef\u00fchl,<br>w\u00e4hrend ich in der Ekstase der Liebe aufgehe.<br>Verloren in deiner Ber\u00fchrung, offenbart sich meine Hoffnung.<br>Gebannt von dieser nie endenden Umarmung.<br>F\u00fcr mich ist dies der Sinn, nach dem ich mich sehne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fourth Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0644\u0645 \u0623\u0639\u062f \u0623\u0624\u0645\u0646 \u0628\u0634\u064a\u0621<br>\u0644\u0645 \u064a\u0639\u062f \u0647\u0646\u0627\u0643 \u0642\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0646<br>\u0647\u0630\u0647 \u0644\u064a\u0633\u062a \u0627\u0644\u062d\u064a\u0627\u0629<br>\u0644\u0627<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I no longer have faith<br>There&#8217;s no more law<br>Life for me isn&#8217;t that<br>No&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ich habe keinen Glauben mehr.<br>Es gibt kein Gesetz mehr.<br>Leben ist f\u00fcr mich nicht das hier.<br>Nein..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fifth Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0646\u062d\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u064a\u0644 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0633\u0645\u0627\u0621 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0635\u062d\u0631\u0627\u0621<br>\u0646\u062d\u0646 \u0643\u0648\u0646 \u0627\u0634\u062a\u064a\u0627\u0642\u0646\u0627 \u0646\u062d\u0646<br>\u0645\u0641\u062a\u0627\u062d \u0627\u0644\u0633\u0639\u0627\u062f\u0629 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0648\u0647\u062c<br>\u0646\u062e\u0644\u0642 \u0627\u0644\u0632\u0645\u0646 \u0644\u0623\u0644\u0641 \u0645\u0631\u0629 \u0648\u0645\u0631\u0629<br>\u0646\u062d\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0632\u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0648\u0627\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0627\u0644\u062f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are night and sky and desert<br>We are a universe of our own longing<br>The key to bliss and glow<br>We recreate time one thousand and one times<br>We are the eternal spiral time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wir sind Nacht, Himmel und W\u00fcste.<br>Wir sind ein Universum unserer eigenen Sehnsucht.<br>Der Schl\u00fcssel zu Gl\u00fcckseligkeit und Leuchtkraft.<br>Wir erschaffen die Zeit tausend und einmal neu.<br>Wir sind die ewige Spirale der Zeit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sixth Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0643\u064a\u0641 \u0623\u062a\u062e\u0644\u0649 \u0639\u0646 \u0630\u0627\u0643\u0631\u0629 \u062d\u0628\u064a<br>\u0628\u064a\u0646\u0645\u0627 \u062d\u064a\u0627\u062a\u064a \u062a\u062a\u0634\u0643\u0644 \u0628\u0627\u0644\u0630\u0643\u0631\u0649<br>\u0627\u0644\u0630\u0643\u0631\u0649 \u0647\u064a \u0645\u0631\u0622\u0629 \u0647\u0648\u064a\u062a\u064a<br>\u0645\u0631\u0622\u0629 \u0623\u062d\u0644\u0627\u0645\u064a \u0648\u0627\u0634\u062a\u064a\u0627\u0642\u064a \u0648\u063a\u062f\u064a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can I let go of my memory of love<br>When it is memory that shapes my life<br>Memory is the mirror of my identity<br>My dreams, longings and becoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wie kann ich meine Erinnerung an die Liebe loslassen,<br>wenn es doch die Erinnerung ist, die mein Leben pr\u00e4gt?<br>Erinnerung ist der Spiegel meiner Identit\u00e4t.<br>Meiner Tr\u00e4ume, Sehns\u00fcchte und meines Werdens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seventh Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0623\u0642\u0628\u0636 \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u062d\u0631\u064a\u062a\u064a\u2026 \u0623\u062d\u0631\u0631 \u0642\u0644\u0628\u064a\u2026<br>\u0623\u0633\u062a\u0631\u062f \u0643\u0631\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u062e\u0637\u0648\u062a\u064a \u2026 \u0639\u0643\u0633 \u0643\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0648\u0647\u0627\u0645<br>\u0623\u0645\u0644\u0643 \u0631\u0648\u062d\u064a\u2026 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0642\u062f\u0631 \u064a\u062a\u0628\u0639 \u0647\u0624\u0644\u0627\u0621<br>\u0645\u064e\u0646 \u064a\u062a\u0645\u0633\u0643\u0648\u0646 \u0628\u0636\u064a\u0627\u0626\u0647\u0645 \u0627\u0644\u0643\u0627\u0645\u0646.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeking liberty .. unchaining my heart..<br>Dignifying my walk against all illusions\u2026<br>I own my soul\u2026 and destiny follows those<br>Who hold on to the light within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Auf der Suche nach Freiheit \u2026 mein Herz befreien \u2026<br>meinen Weg w\u00fcrdevoll gestalten, frei von Ilusionen \u2026<br>Meine Seele geh\u00f6rt mir\u2026 und das Schicksal folgt denen,<br>die am inneren Licht festhalten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eighth Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u062a\u0628\u062f\u0644\u062a\u064f \u0628\u0642\u0633\u0648\u0629 \u062d\u0628\u0643<br>\u0639\u062f\u062a\u064f \u0625\u0644\u0649 \u0646\u0641\u0633\u064a \u0648\u062a\u062d\u0631\u0631\u062a\u064f.<br>\u0623\u0646 \u062a\u0647\u062c\u0631\u064e\u0646\u064a \u062e\u064a\u0631\u064c \u0645\u0646 \u0623\u0646 \u0623\u0647\u062c\u0631\u064e \u0646\u0641\u0633\u064a<br>.\u063a\u0646\u0648\u062a\u064a \u0633\u062a\u0644\u0648\u0650\u0651\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0647\u062c\u0631\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0632\u0629 \u0646\u0641\u0633\u064a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cruelty of your love changed me<br>Led me again to myself and liberated me.<br>Deserted by you is better than being deserted by myself<br>My worth fills the desert and leads the song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Die Grausamkeit deiner Liebe hat mich ver\u00e4ndert.<br>Sie hat mich wieder zu mir selbst gef\u00fchrt und mich befreit.<br>Von dir verlassen zu werden ist besser, als von mir selbst verlassen zu sein.<br>Mein Selbswert \u00fcberwindet den Schmerz und leitet das Lied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nineth Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0625\u062d\u064a\u0627\u0621 \u0627\u0644\u0630\u0643\u0631\u0649 \u2026 \u0625\u062d\u064a\u0627\u0621 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u0628<br>\u0645\u0648\u062c\u0629 \u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0630\u0643\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0630\u0628 \u062a\u0634\u062f\u0646\u064a \u0625\u0644\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0648\u0631\u0627\u0621<br>\u0647\u0644 \u0628\u0627\u0644\u0641\u0639\u0644 \u0623\u0646\u064a \u0644\u0645 \u0623\u0646\u0633 \u0623\u0628\u062f\u0627\u064b\u061f<br>\u0644\u0645 \u0623\u062a\u062e\u0644 \u0623\u0628\u062f\u0627\u064b \u0639\u0646 \u0644\u0647\u064a\u0628 \u0627\u0644\u0642\u0644\u0628\u061f<br>\u0648\u0644\u0645 \u0623\u062a\u0648\u0642\u0641 \u0623\u0628\u062f\u0627\u064b \u0639\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0634\u062a\u064a\u0627\u0642 \u0644\u0644\u0648\u062b\u0627\u0642\u061f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reviving the memory reviving the love<br>A wave of sweet remembrance swings me back to the past<br>Is it true that I never forgot?<br>Never let go of the flame in my heart?<br>Did I ever stop longing for the bond?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Die Erinnerung erwacht, die Liebe erwacht.<br>Eine Welle s\u00fc\u00dfer Erinnerungen tr\u00e4gt mich zur\u00fcck in die Vergangenheit.<br>Stimmt es, dass ich nie vergessen habe?<br>Die Flamme in meinem Herzen nie erloschen ist?<br>Habe ich jemals aufgeh\u00f6rt, mich nach dieser Verbindung zu sehnen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tenth Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u0623\u0646\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0632\u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0648\u0627\u0631 \u064a\u0635\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0627\u0636\u064a \u0628\u0627\u0644\u062d\u0627\u0636\u0631<br>\u0623\u0646\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u0628 \u0639\u0627\u0628\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0632\u0645\u0646\u0629<br>\u0623\u062a\u0630\u0648\u0642 \u0644\u0630\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0634\u0642 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0627\u0644\u062f\u0629<br>\u0623\u0643\u0648\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062f\u0627\u0648\u0627\u0629 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u0627\u0645\u062d\u0629<br>\u0623\u062a\u062e\u0637\u0649 \u0645\u0631\u0622\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0632\u0645\u0646 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0641\u0642\u062f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am the spiral time linking past and present<br>I am love cutting across time<br>Tasting the eternal pleasures of passion<br>Being the healing and forgiveness<br>Transcending the mirror of age and loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ich bin die spiralf\u00f6rmige Zeit, die Vergangenheit und Gegenwart verbindet.<br>Ich bin die Liebe, die die Zeit durchdringt.<br>Ich koste die ewigen Freuden der Leidenschaft.<br>Ich bin Heilung und Vergebung.<br>Ich transzendiere den Spiegel von Alter und Verlust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Featured Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4474-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24494\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4474-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4474-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4474-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4474-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Peter van Heesen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Listed below are the original composers and poets of the songs by Umm Kulthum, which were recomposed by Nesrine Belmokh for \u0637\u0631\u0628 \/ TARAB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the chronological order of the piece:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bi Ridak<\/strong><br>(Composition:&nbsp;Zakareyya Ahmed \/ Lyrics: Biram El-Tonsi)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ya Eini<\/strong><br>(Composition:&nbsp;Zakareyya Ahmed \/ Lyrics: Biram El-Tonsi)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hagartak<br><\/strong>(Composition&nbsp;&amp; Arrangements: Riad El-Sonbati \/ Lyrics:&nbsp; Ahmad Rami)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Amal Hayati<\/strong><br>(Composition&nbsp;&amp; Arrangements: Mohamed Abd El Wahab \/&nbsp; Lyrics:&nbsp;Ahmed Shafeeq Kamel)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Le\u00efla<\/strong><br>(Composition&nbsp;&amp; Lyrics:&nbsp;Nesrine Belmokh, Vincent Mascarell Minea, Gregoire Musso)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Alf Leila wa Leila<\/strong><br>(Composition: Baligh Hamdi \/ Arrangements: Riad El-Sonbati \/ Lyrics: Morsi Gamil Aziz)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zekrayat<\/strong><br>(Composition:&nbsp;Riad El-Sonbati \/&nbsp;Arrangements: Riad El-Sonbati \/&nbsp; Lyrics:&nbsp;Ahmad Rami)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>El Atlal<\/strong><br>(Composition &amp; Arrangements&nbsp;Riad El-Sonbati \/&nbsp;Lyrics:&nbsp;Ibrahim Nagui)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ya Eini<\/strong><br>(Composition:&nbsp;Zakareyya Ahmed \/ Lyrics: Biram El-Tonsi)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Esaal Rohak<\/strong><br>(Composition:&nbsp;Mohamed El-Mogui \/ Lyrics: Abd El-Wahab Mohamed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fakarouny<\/strong><br>(Composition,&nbsp;Arrangements&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp; Lyrics:&nbsp; Mohamed Abd El Wahab)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Enta Omry<\/strong><br>(Composition&nbsp;&amp; Arrangements:&nbsp;Mohamed Abd El Wahab \/&nbsp; Lyrics:&nbsp;Ahmed Shafeeq Kamel)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4970-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24487\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4970-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4970-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4970-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4970-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Z9H4970-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Peter van Heesen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fcfc-7-f-background-color has-background\"><strong>WITH <\/strong>Mireille Bittar, Rita El-Achkar, Waed Bouhassoun<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fcfc-7-f-background-color has-background\"><strong>MUSICIANS of the ensemble transmusica <\/strong>Valentin Link (double bass), Bernd Oezsevim (drums), Jehad Jazbeh (solo violin), Mari Sawada \/ Vera Kardos (violin I), Angelika Feckl \/ Meike-Lu Schneider (violin II), Kundri Lu Sch\u00e4fer (viola), Zoe Cartier \/ Lea Rahel Bader (cello), Deniz Mahir Kartal \/ Yazan Alsabbagh (clarinet &amp; ney), Tarek Charbel (oud)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fcfc-7-f-background-color has-background\"><strong>RECOMPOSITION<\/strong>&nbsp;Nesrine Belmokh <strong>MUSICAL DIRECTOR \/ ARRANGEMENTS<\/strong>&nbsp;Frank Woeste <strong>STAGE DIRECTOR <\/strong>Sjaron Minailo <strong>COSTUME \/ STAGE DESIGN<\/strong> Shahrzad&nbsp; Rahmani <strong>DRAMATURGY <\/strong>Nora Amin, Dennis Depta <strong>DRAMATURGICAL ADVISOR<\/strong>&nbsp;Mieke Kolk &nbsp;<strong>POETRY<\/strong>&nbsp;Nora Amin&nbsp;<strong>ASSISTANT DIRECTOR \/ PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT <\/strong>Joelina Spiess<strong>ENSEMBLE MANAGEMENT transmusica ensemble \/ MUSICAL ADVISOR&nbsp;<\/strong>Sofia Surgutschowa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fcfc-7-f-background-color has-background\"><strong>TECHNICHAL PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT <\/strong>Helmut Topp <strong>SOUND <\/strong>Klim Losovskii <strong>LIGHT<\/strong> Sina Winkelhausen <strong>TECHNICAL EVENING MANAGEMENT SOUND <\/strong>Michael Tuttle, Klim Losovskii, S\u00f6ren Schwedler, Sebastian Vivas Sanchez <strong><strong>TECHNICAL EVENING MANAGEMENT <\/strong>LIGHT<\/strong> Ralf Arndt, Niklas M\u00e5rd, Sina Winkelhausen <strong>STAGE CONSTRUCTION <\/strong>Gregor von Glinski, Marc Schulze, Rui Wegener, Ralf Mauelshagen, Pet Bartl-Zuba, Anne Wundrak, Zora H\u00fcnermann <strong>COSTUME DEPARTMENT <\/strong>Christina K\u00e4mper (Leitung), Kathy Tomkins <strong>HAIR &amp; MAKE-UP <\/strong>Anne-Claire Meyer <strong><strong>EVENING MANAGEMENT <\/strong><\/strong>Sophie Reavley, Regina Triebel <strong>SERVICE MANAGEMENT <\/strong>Vanda Hehr<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biographies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mireille Bittar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24504\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-1100x733.jpeg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mireille-Bittar_Portraet-50x33.jpeg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a voice that carries both the depth of the East and the refinement of the West, Dutch\u2013Syrian soprano Mireille Bittar emerges as a singular artistic force on the international stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As founder and artistic director of the Mozaiek Ensemble, she is dedicated to creating meaningful dialogue between Western classical traditions and the rich musical heritage of the Middle East. Celebrated for her warm timbre and deeply expressive artistry, Bittar brings emotional depth and stylistic versatility to a wide-ranging repertoire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She holds a Master\u2019s degree in Music from the Conservatory of Amsterdam and a Bachelor\u2019s degree from the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, and is currently pursuing her PhD at Ain Shams University in Cairo, focusing on the intersection of Arabic and Western vocal traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her international career has led her to perform with distinguished institutions such as the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra under Ruman Gamba, the Dutch National Opera &amp; Ballet, and the Residentie Orkest. On the operatic stage, her roles span both classical and contemporary works, from Cherubino in Mozart\u2019s <em>Le Nozze di Figaro <\/em>to modern productions such as <em>Anne &amp; Zef<\/em>, as well as Arabic opera including <em>Antar &amp; Abla<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a concert soloist, Bittar has performed major works by Bach, Brahms, Schubert, Faur\u00e9, Jenkins, and Vivaldi, captivating audiences with her stylistic sensitivity and radiant presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Extending her artistic expression beyond the classical stage, she released her debut single <em>Helwa El Hayat <\/em>in 2024, followed by <em>Ya Nasini <\/em>and <em>Mayyel <\/em>in 2025, and <em>Alouli Faq <\/em>in 2026\u2014projects that reflect her commitment to cultural fusion and contemporary storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bittar is also an ambassador and featured artist of Sing for Freedom, a Netherlands-based organization that fosters cultural connection through music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside her performing career, she is a passionate educator, teaching Arabic classical singing at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, ArtEZ Conservatory of Enschede, and the Conservatory of Maastricht, where she inspires a new generation of singers to explore vocal traditions across cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rita El-Ashkar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"1206\" height=\"804\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rita_web.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24505\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rita_web.jpg 1206w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rita_web-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rita_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rita_web-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1206px) 100vw, 1206px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rita El Achkar, born and raised in Egypt, began her musical journey at the age of 12, when she started taking singing lessons with the Egyptian soprano Neveen Allouba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2013, she enrolled at the American University in Cairo, where she studied opera singing and economics. She continued her vocal training with Neveen Allouba and attended several international masterclasses with renowned opera singers and conductors such as Caroline Dumas, Ritva-Liisa Korhonen, Annika Ollinkari, Konrad Jarnot, Jorma Silvasti, Topi Lehtipuu, and Will Humburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2017, she was awarded the Egyptian\u2013Finnish Bridge Scholarship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduating from the American University in Cairo, where she also received a cultural scholarship for her singing, Rita continued her opera studies in Detmold, completing her Bachelor\u2019s degree in opera singing and her Master\u2019s degree in vocal pedagogy under Finnish soprano Eeva Tenkanen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rita made her German debut at the Landestheater Detmold as Susanna (<em>Le nozze di Figaro<\/em>), followed by her debut as Mim\u00ec (<em>La Boh\u00e8me<\/em>) in the annual productions of the Detmold University of Music. Other notable operatic roles include Miss Wordsworth (<em>Albert Herring<\/em>) and Berenice (<em>L\u2019occasione fa il ladro<\/em>), both performed at the Summer Theatre Detmold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024, Rita made her debut as the Queen of the Night (<em>Die Zauberfl\u00f6te<\/em>) at the Cairo Opera House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Renowned professors and coaches such as Ivan T\u00f6rz, Manuel Lange, Kristian Attila, Fabio Vettraino, and Thomas Mittmann have strongly influenced her artistic development and helped refine her musical interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her achievements include the international music competition \u201cJugend musiziert,\u201d where she won various prizes in each of the six years she participated. She received a cultural scholarship at the American University in Cairo and a Finnish\u2013Egyptian scholarship to attend masterclasses at the Savonlinna Opera Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022, she won 3rd prize at the international competition \u201cConcorso Lirico Internazionale \u2018Magliano citt\u00e0 della musica\u2019\u201d in Lecce, Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In October 2022, Rita performed the world premiere of <em>Widukind<\/em> in the role of Geva, in collaboration with Birgit Kronshage and Thomas Lotz. In summer 2025, the production was revived as part of a Germany-wide tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waed Bouhassoun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"1416\" height=\"944\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Waed-Bouhassoun_web.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24506\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Waed-Bouhassoun_web.jpg 1416w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Waed-Bouhassoun_web-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Waed-Bouhassoun_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Waed-Bouhassoun_web-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1416px) 100vw, 1416px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Waed Bouhassoun is a Syrian singer, oud player, composer and ethnomusicologist whose<br>international career began in 2006. Born in southern Syria, she has developed a unique musical language rooted in Arab traditions and enriched by diverse cultural influences. Accompanying herself on the oud, she performs her own compositions as well as mystical and secular poetry from classical and contemporary Arabic repertoires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She has toured extensively across the Arab world,<br>Europe, the Americas and Asia, and regularly collaborates with Jordi Savall and Hesp\u00e8rion XXI.<br>Named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2018, she received the Middle East and Muslim Worlds<br>Thesis Prize in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ensemble Transmusica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ensemble-transmusica-\u00a9-Sofia-Gutschorowa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24507\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ensemble-transmusica-\u00a9-Sofia-Gutschorowa.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ensemble-transmusica-\u00a9-Sofia-Gutschorowa-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ensemble-transmusica-\u00a9-Sofia-Gutschorowa-50x33.png 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Sofia Surgutschowa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The ensemble transmusica was founded in Berlin in 2023 by the Moroccan oud player Alaa Zouiten, the Bulgarian saxophonist Vladimir Karparov and the Russian-German artist manager Sofia Surgutschowa. Alaa, Vladimir and Sofia already knew each other well, as they had successfully realised numerous music projects together, such as the Babylon ORCHESTRA, of which Sofia is a co-founder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ensemble transmusica brings together a wide variety of cultures and unites them through its music and approach. The group draws on a multifaceted repertoire that ranges from original compositions by the ensemble&#8217;s artistic directors and musicians to new arrangements of well-known pieces from the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Africa and India. The ensemble is a master at combining different cultures without mixing them superficially. Through their unique musical journey, the musicians encourage us to celebrate our differences while recognising that we are all part of the same global community and cannot do without each other. ensemble transmusica creates unforgettable evenings with exciting, international soloists whose work is at the centre of each concert, as well as evenings with musical themes that take the audience on long journeys, question approaches and open new doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a city of cultural exchange and the fight for equality, Berlin is the perfect place to bring the concept of transculturality and inclusion to life, embody it and bring it into the world. The ensemble transmusica is committed to making an important contribution to the promotion of diversity and inclusion through its music and artistic work. The ensemble is also committed to teaching music to children and young people by incorporating global music into regular music lessons at Berlin schools. The association transmusikale e.V., whose board includes Alaa and Sofia, is committed to the integration of transcultural musicians, to their networking in Berlin and Germany and creates a platform for exchange on an equal footing with cultural institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience the ensemble transmusica and be enchanted by its unique music. Be inspired and encouraged to celebrate our similarities and appreciate our differences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, ensemble transmusica made its debut at the Verbier Festival (Valais, Switzerland) with singer and pianist Merve Akyildiz and will perform with Basma Jabr as soloist at the Tonhalle St. Gallen (Switzerland) in the 2023-24 season. The ensemble&#8217;s other projects include a specially curated concert series in Berlin and the creation of the <em>Long Night of Music<\/em>, as well as the project <em>Ukrainian Female Voices<\/em> at the Gr\u00fcner Salon of Volksb\u00fchne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nesrine Belmokh&nbsp;| <strong><strong>ARTISTIC DIRECTION \/ RECOMPOSITION<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"1708\" height=\"2560\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24412\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-scaled.jpg 1708w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-1100x1649.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.Nesrine-copyright-Nairi-33x50.jpg 33w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1708px) 100vw, 1708px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Na\u00efri<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Singer, cellist, and songwriter, Nesrine grew up in a family where music played a central role. From the age of six, she gave her first concert, showcasing a prodigious talent and perfect pitch. Classically trained in cello, she studied at prestigious institutions and performed with renowned orchestras such as the East-Western Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and the Valencia Opera Orchestra under the baton of Lorin Maazel and Zubin Mehta. Her international journey has taken her to France, Spain, Switzerland, New York, and finally Paris, where she now resides. This cultural diversity influences her music, which merges elements of jazz, pop, classical music, and North African traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A true citizen of the world, she blends various languages and sounds in her compositions, alternating between Arabic, French, and English with remarkable ease. After conquering the European music scene with the trio NES and the album <em>Ahlam <\/em>(2018), praised for its minimalist beauty and Mediterranean influences, Nesrine established herself as a solo artist with two albums, <em>Nesrine <\/em>(2020) and <em>Kan Ya Makan<\/em> (2024). The latter, meaning \u201cOnce Upon a Time\u201d in Arabic, is a deeply personal project where she explores universal themes such as love, resilience, and human connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her collaborations include renowned artists such as Michael League, Michael Mayo, Michel Portal, IAM, Juliette Saumagne, and the Metropole Orchestra. She also shone in the Cirque du Soleil\u2019s Amaluna in a lead role, showcasing her versatility and stage charisma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nesrine draws inspiration from diverse literary and musical figures: Khalil Gibran, Serge Gainsbourg, Beethoven, Oum Kalthoum, and Erykah Badu. Her cello, a lifelong companion, takes center stage in her compositions, transforming into a bass, guitar, or orchestral instrument according to her creative whims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With <em>Kan Ya Makan<\/em>, Nesrine reaffirms her status as an innovative and timeless artist, a modern-day Scheherazade reinventing musical traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frank Woeste&nbsp;| <strong><strong>MUSICAL DIRECTION \/ ARRANGEMENT<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24508\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Frank-Woeste_Portrait_2-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Frank Woeste, born in Hanover in 1976, is a pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. Raised in a musical family, he moved to Paris in 1997 to pursue his studies and developed a personal style that moves between jazz, classical music, and electronic timbres, particularly on the Fender Rhodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He has worked with artists such as Ibrahim Maalouf, Youn Sun Nah, and Dave Douglas. His projects have received multiple awards, including distinctions at the Victoires du Jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He has also released numerous albums as a bandleader and is considered one of the most versatile European jazz pianists of his generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sjaron Minailo&nbsp;| Stage Director<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24509\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sjaron-Minailo-\u00a9-Kathrin-Grzeschniok-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Kathrin Grzeschniok<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sjaron Minailo is an Amsterdam-based opera and music theatre director and artistic director of Studio Minailo, his experimental laboratory. His highly visual, site-specific work responds to social and political developments and includes new creations from compositions never meant for the stage. He is artist-curator at the Dutch National Opera&#8217;s Opera Forward Festival and head of Music Theatre at ArtEZ University of the Arts. Credits include Dutch National Opera, La Monnaie, Opera Brno and Opera Pozna\u0144, with yearly appearances at O. Festival Rotterdam since 2008. He received the Fast Forward Prize and was shortlisted for the International Opera Awards (Young Directors).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"http:\/\/www.studiominailo.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shahrzad Rahmani | <strong><strong>Costume\/ Stage Design<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/\u00a9-Phil-Dera.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24510\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/\u00a9-Phil-Dera.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/\u00a9-Phil-Dera-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/\u00a9-Phil-Dera-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Phil Dera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Shahrzad Rahmani is a freelance stage and costume designer, scenographer, and member of the Berlin-based artist collective \u201eGuerilla Architects\u201c. Her artistic practice focuses on interdisciplinary spaces and installations within theatrical, urban, and performance contexts.<br>Born in Karlsruhe and raised in Tehran, Shahrzad holds a Master of Arts in Stage Design and Scenography from TU Berlin (B\u00fchnenbild_Szenischer Raum) and a Diploma in Architecture from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In 2023\/24, she was Bertolt Brecht Visiting Professor at the Centre of Competence for Theatre (CCT) at Leipzig University. She collaborates nationally and internationally with directors and choreographers on productions at various theatres and site-specific projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nora Amin&nbsp;| <strong>Dramaturg<\/strong>y \/ Poetry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"2244\" height=\"2320\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24511\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat.jpg 2244w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat-1100x1137.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat-768x794.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat-1486x1536.jpg 1486w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat-1981x2048.jpg 1981w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nora-Amin_privat-48x50.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2244px) 100vw, 2244px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Performer, choreographer, author, dramaturge &amp; scholar. Fellow of the centre for Theatre of the Oppressed (Brazil, 2003), founder of Lamusica Independent Theatre group (Egypt, 2000) where she created 50 performances of dance, theatre &amp; music. Founder of The Nation-wide Egyptian Project for Theatre of the Oppressed and its Arab network (Lebanon, Sudan &amp; Morocco), fellow of Academy of the Arts of the World (Cologne, 2015), fellow of International Research Centre for Interweaving Performance Cultures (FU, 2015-2016), Valeska-Gert guest professor for dance sciences (FU, 2018), visiting lecturer at centre for contemporary dance (K\u00f6ln, 2020\/2023\/2024), and Mentor\/Expert at PAP (Performing Arts Program\/LAFT Berlin) and Flausen+bundesnetzwerk program (2018-2024), and former board member at the German Centre of the International Theatre Institute.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her latest books are <em>Migrating the Feminine<\/em>, on sexual violence as a political weapon (2018) and <em>Dance of the Persecuted<\/em> (2021), a feminist perspective on the history of Baladi dance in Egypt linking coloniality with patriarchy and capitalism (MSB Matthes &amp; Seitz, Berlin). Her acclaimed productions in Germany: <em>Migrating the Feminine<\/em>, <em>Reinventing Memories<\/em>, MY DANCE, Re-rooting, WOUND, HEALING and GRIEF. She is also a certified grief coach and a trauma healing practitioner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dennis Depta&nbsp;| <strong>Dramaturg<\/strong>y<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ein Portrait von Dennis Depta. Er tr\u00e4gt ein gl\u00e4nzendes Hemd mit Tiger-Muster und spielt an einem Kickertisch in Miniaturformat. Sein Blick ist abgewandt, er hat einen l\u00e4chelnden Ausdruck im Gesicht.\" class=\"wp-image-22029\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Depta-Dennis-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Peter van Heesen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>DDennis Depta, born in Cottbus in 1988, is a dramaturg, performer, and musician. Since 2014, he has been part of the Berlin-based (music) theatre group&nbsp;<em>glanz&amp;krawall<\/em>, with which he has been boldly seeking confrontation with the rest of society\u2014from the high culture of opera to the poetic lostness of a solo entertainer in a village disco. Together with director Marielle Sterra, he brings formats from popular culture such as wrestling, circus, punk concerts, and horse racing into the theatre, while also increasingly taking theatre into urban spaces such as clubs, beach baths, and psychiatric institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2019, Depta and Sterra have initiated the inclusive theatre and music festival series&nbsp;<em>BERLIN is not\u2026<\/em>, for which music acts and performing arts groups alike adapt operas by Richard Wagner &amp; Co. KG for a broad audience. Since the 2025\/2026 season, Depta has been dramaturg at the Neuk\u00f6llner Oper in Berlin. He is also guitarist in the bands SCHROTTI STAR ORCHESTER and KANAL. Depta believes that art comes from wanting, not from ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mieke Kolk&nbsp;| <strong>Dramaturgi<\/strong>cal Advisor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"397\" height=\"265\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mieke-Kolk-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24512\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mieke-Kolk-web.jpg 397w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mieke-Kolk-web-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 397px) 100vw, 397px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Mieke Kolk taught at the Department Theater Studies of the University of Amsterdam. She specialised in Woman Studies and Postmodern Theater in theory and practice; she was co-founder of the feminist theatre group&nbsp;<em>Theater Persona<\/em>&nbsp;in the1980s, and traveled as visiting professor to the UK, USA and Belgium.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She published extensively on opera and music theatre since the late eighties. Her books developed and described international feminist strategies in the theatre and the short history of women\u2019s theatre in The Netherlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2001 she worked on a &nbsp;a Cultural Exchange program &nbsp;in the Arts with Dutch and European theatermakers in their colleagues in Egypt and Sudan, till 2019. Academic conferences between East and West were held with and in the Arabic countries between 2004-2009. Those proceedings\/books were also publicised by the theatre-journal Documenta, University of Gent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her own international publications are available on the internet with Researchgate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joelina Spiess | <strong><strong>ASSISTANT DIRECTOR \/ PROD<\/strong><\/strong>uction Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joelina-Spiess_Arthur-Buchholz_web-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24513\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joelina-Spiess_Arthur-Buchholz_web-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joelina-Spiess_Arthur-Buchholz_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joelina-Spiess_Arthur-Buchholz_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joelina-Spiess_Arthur-Buchholz_web-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joelina-Spiess_Arthur-Buchholz_web-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Arthur Buchholz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Joelina Spiess, born and raised in Berlin, completed her directing studies in 2024 at the Academy of Theatre and Dance in Amsterdam. Under the name of her collective HERMANN, she develops performative formats from psychological-philosophical thought experiments, combining classical theatre forms with settings such as workshops or speed dates. At the centre of her work is a radical, uncompromising honesty and the aim of creating an almost subtext-free theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of a masterclass with Johan Simons, she directed Elsie de Brauw, which led to an ongoing collaboration. She has also worked with SIGNA at the Schauspielhaus Hamburg (<em>Das 13. Jahr<\/em>) as well as at the Vienna Festival (<em>Das letzte Jahr<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-widget allow-close-all\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sofia Surgutschowa | <strong><strong>ENSEMBLE MANAGEMENT transmusica ensemble \/ MUSIcal Advisor<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-accordion-item-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" loading=\"lazy\"src=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sofia_Surgutschowa_C_Katharina_Oppel_web-1100x733.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24515\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sofia_Surgutschowa_C_Katharina_Oppel_web-1100x733.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sofia_Surgutschowa_C_Katharina_Oppel_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sofia_Surgutschowa_C_Katharina_Oppel_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sofia_Surgutschowa_C_Katharina_Oppel_web-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Sofia_Surgutschowa_C_Katharina_Oppel_web-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Katharina Oppel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sofia Surgutschowa studied theatre and performance in Paris, Amsterdam and Baltimore and then worked as as a cultural journalist for magazines such as the <em>M\u00fcnchner Merkur<\/em>, <em>Weltkunst<\/em>, <em>Le Point<\/em> and <em>Spirit Bordeaux<\/em>. For eight years Sofia has been an artist manager for <em>IMG Artists<\/em> in Berlin and Paris, representing opera singers, conductors, and instrumentalists. In 2015 she co-founded the <em>Babylon ORCHESTRA<\/em> in Berlin, an ensemble for contemporary oriental music composed of refugee and European musicians who are committed to cultural exchange between East and West and have become indispensable in the Berlin cultural scene ever since. Since 2020, Sofia Surgutschowa has been working as a freelance creative producer, (production) manager of international cultural projects, in particular for the <em>Verbier Festival<\/em> and the <em>Zafraan Ensemble<\/em>. Sofia Surgutschowa is the co-founder of the <em>Biennale in Situ<\/em> in Lausanne (Switzerland), chairwoman of the board of <em>transmusikale e.<\/em>V. and of <em>House of Lada<\/em>. She is part of the editorial committee of the French magazine <em>KOMETA<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Still&nbsp;little&nbsp;known&nbsp;in the Western&nbsp;world, the&nbsp;singer&nbsp;Umm&nbsp;Kulthum\u202f\u202f\u2013\u202foften&nbsp;referred&nbsp;to as the \u201cCallas&nbsp;of Egypt\u201d\u202f\u2013\u202fis&nbsp;one of the greatest icons of classical &nbsp;Arabic&nbsp;music.&nbsp;Not only is she an example of a disadvantaged young woman who made it to the top within a patriarchally dominated artistic field, she also became a model of change and empowerment for women across the globe.&nbsp;Umm&nbsp;Kulthum\u2019s&nbsp;influence,&nbsp;which&nbsp;helped&nbsp;inspire&nbsp;genuine&nbsp;social&nbsp;change and a sense of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":24492,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_teasertitle":"","_hidetitle":false,"_titletag":"","_marqueeTitle":false,"_subtitle":"An Ecstasy with Music by Umm Kulthum","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/?page_id=24454","_onepager":[],"_onepager_single":false,"_pinkie_id":24492,"footnotes":"","_post-color":[]},"class_list":["post-24517","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","en-US"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24517"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24517\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24625,"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24517\/revisions\/24625"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neukoellneroper.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}