Katara to stage play inspired by Khalil Gibran’s life

A play on the life and times of Lebanese poet, painter and writer Gibran Khalil Gibran titled ‘Rest Upon The Wind’ opens September 12 at the Katara Drama Theatre. The play encapsulates Gibran’s life in America as an immigrant artist and writer, in English as well as Arabic. It is the story of his struggle to spread the message of love and peace, and how his difficulties led him to seek the path to spiritual awakening, a Katara synopsis said. Jordanian-born actor Nadim Sawalha has written the script for the play. He weaves in Arab sense of humour and family values while depicting the relationship of Gibran and his sister Myrianna as they adapt to a new life in America. “Khalil Gibran has influenced the lives of millions of people around the world. He is acknowledged as one of the great spiritual teachers of all times,” said playwright Sawalha. “I felt that the time had come to present a dramatic interpretation of his life. I felt that if we knew a bit more about him, we would come out of the theatre knowing more about ourselves.” Gibran’s childhood memories and spiritual awakening in Mount Lebanon are juxtaposed with the everyday bustle and music of the Lebanese Enclave of Chinatown, Boston. Award-wining composer Jules Deering has composed the play’s original sound-score. The play opens at 8.30pm from September 12 to 14 at Katara.