Saudi Arabia wants to become a cultural powerhouse. Can it?
English mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly plays the title role in Zarqa Al Yamama, the first opera produced by Saudi Arabia. Photo: Theater and Performing Arts Commission/Hwadi
The Gulf state is embarking on an ambitious cultural strategy in a bid to diversify its economy and shape a new identity for the country. But its plan is not without its critics. Georgia Snow travels to Riyadh to meet the creators of Saudi Arabia’s first ever grand opera to find out more
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