ROTTERDAM An opera whose subject is Ayesheh, the name of one of the wives of the holy Prophet Mohammad (S), was canceled in the Netherlands after protests by an Islamic group against the singers and composer.
Korda Russet, spokeswoman for the theater group Una van Cliff, explained to AFP, "According to the information we have from a fax, an Islamic group in the Netherlands has denounced the content of the opera." Ms. Russet clarified that the writers of the fax have warned that the same @END1 fate as that of Salman Rushdie awaits those who play any role in this opera.
This opera, entitled "Ayesheh and the Women of Medina", was inspired by "Black Jabbar", written by an Algerian writer.
The opera was to be performed in classic Arabic.
Upon receipt of the fax in November, seven Moroccan singers in this opera announced that they would not participate in its performance.
Najib Sharadi, the opera's music composer, a Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin, a female singer and two players of musical instruments also announced their withdrawal from participation in this opera.
Thus, the manager of the opera has canceled the opera.
"Ayesheh and the Women of Medina" was to be performed next February in Rotterdam and later in Belgium.