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Oum – A Son’s Quest for His Mother

The UK Premiere of Bushra El-Turk's new opera

A photo of a singer on stage, with an orchestral ensemble in the background. Semi staged production of Bushra El-Turk's Oum - A Son's Quest for his Mother

Bushra El-Turk's Oum - A Son's Quest for his Mother c. Bart Grietens

We are proud to present the UK premiere of Bushra El-Turk’s latest opera, following the success of A Woman at Point Zero, and featuring star singers Ghalia Benali, Dima Orsho and Bernadeta Astari.

The 19-year-old Wahab struggles through a nighttime snowstorm on his way to the hospital where his mother lies dying. This is his last chance to untangle the knot of his relationship with her. Deep in his heart, Wahab carries the song Al-Atlal (“The Ruins”) by the Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum. The song embodies the sorrow of a lost home, the longing for love, and ultimately the promise of reconciliation amidst the fragments of a broken relationship.

 

Please note: this performance contains explicit descriptions of war violence.

Patrons get first access to Priority Booking with no booking fees added.

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Members enjoy 20% off tickets.

No booking fees. Subject to availability.

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Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this performance.

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.

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£12

Aged 14–25? Join Young Barbican for free.

Subject to availability.

Wheelchair spaces and free companion seats may now be booked online. 

Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.

Booking a wheelchair space: Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the click the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected. 

Booking essential companion tickets: Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket. 

Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats: Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.

20% discount for groups of 10+. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.

Subject to availability.

*Excludes £4 booking fee

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Our Patrons get access to tickets for sold-out performances, among other benefits.

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