Abstract

Opera remains one of the most celebrated forms of performing arts. The opera theatre seems to be fulfilling a new strategic role in Arab and Middle Eastern societies. Governments are allocating millions of dollars to provide financial support for the growth of this form of art. Why? This article provides scholars and practitioners in the sector with the first reference work on the subject that will help our understanding of the evolutionary process that has led – and continues to lead – all the countries in the MENA region to equip themselves with an opera theatre.