Music fills Iraq's Al-Rabea Theater again
Music filled the halls of Mosul's iconic Al-Rabea Theater
Date: April 8, 2021
Location: Mosul, Iraq
The Watar Youth Orchestra's debut performance took place
after volunteers worked to remove dust and debris
from damage sustained during the Islamic State occupation
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PRESIDENT OF 'VOLUNTEER WITH US' ORGANISATION, OMAR MOHAMMED, SAYING:
"Without a doubt, Mosul today needs venues like this stage, this theater. It is important for the city of Mosul that the artistic life, the history, and art, as well as the creative identity of Nineveh province, returns to us after the most dangerous battle of recent times."
Mosul's art and music tradition is being revived after years of conflict
The Watar Youth Orchestra is the city's first in years
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SPECTATOR OF WATAR ORCHESTRA PREMIERE, SAKARA ZAKAYEH, SAYING:
"Today we are very happy. Not just because we watched this artistic event, which we were longing for. We are happy because, when I entered, I was seated among many young people who are around 20, 22 years old and older, for whom this is the first time in their lives attending an event at a public theater."
