A script has been completed for a special production: King Tutankhamun Opera, written by Egyptian archaeologist, Egyptologist, and previous Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, Dr. Zahi Hawass.
Expected to be a spectacular showcase, the opera will debut during the opening of Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum next year and will take a look at, in detail, the life and times of the Egyptian Pharoah. Historic events such as the death of Tutankhamun’s father, Akhenaten, his coronation, and his attempted murder by renowned Queen Nefertiti after she discovers that none of her own 6 daughters could potentially rule Egypt.
Playing the exciting roles will be globally revered opera singers, Susanna and Roberto who will play the roles of the priest and Nefertiti, with Placido Doming also participating in the forthcoming production, which is written in collaboration with Francesco Santocono, an Italian author and composed by Zamboni.
Speaking about his curation of all things ancient Egypt, “Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharoah” at London Saatchi Gallery, Dr Hawass stated, “I wrote the opera and we offered it to the museum for the opening, and they agreed.” He also said it would be “nice to stage it also in the West Valley of the Kings in 2022,” which marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by the archaeologist, Howard Carter.
Saatchi’s exhibition holds a total of 150 ancient relics from the Egyptian King’s belongings, including wooden boxes, canopic pots, a Ka statue, ushabti statues and alabaster urns. Dr. Zahi Hawass also stated in an interview that the examination of the DNA results of the infamous Egyptian ruler hold a lot of vital information about his death and the cause of it will be revealed at his exhibition in 2020.
