“On the Brink!”: AlMultaqa’s Ode to Survival and Cultural Revival

On December 5, 2024, the Zayed Theatre at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi became a stage for resilience and hope. “On the Brink!” wasn’t merely a performance; it was a shared heartbeat, a reflection of the enduring power of Sudanese culture. Though I wasn’t there in person, I witnessed its brilliance through the lens of Khalda Ibrahim’s updates, her passion evident in every voice note and message. From designing costumes under the Kalda & Noya brand she co-founded with her sister Noha, to curating the stage’s intricate visual story, she and her team turned loss into creation.

Khalda Ibrahim Omer: CEO/Co-Founder & Talented Creative Director Of The AlMultaqa Cultural Hub

What struck me most was the collaboration. It wasn’t just Ibrahim’s vision—it was brought to life by a group of dancers, musicians, creatives and technicians who poured their hearts into every moment. Their collective effort turned the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile rivers into symbols of endurance and connection. These rivers, lifelines of ancient civilizations, became metaphors for the orchestra’s journey, their presence reflected in flowing choreography and evocative stage design.

The dancers, adorned in designs that blended tradition with innovation, moved like water—gentle and fluid one moment, fierce and unrelenting the next. The music, composed by Ahmad Shamma, created an atmosphere that was as emotional as it was powerful. Instruments like the Oud and Kora provided a link to Sudan’s past, while contemporary arrangements infused the performance with a forward-looking energy.

“ON THE BRINK!”- A CELEBRATION O F A F R O – A R A B I D E N T I T Y ; performance at Zayed Theatre, Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi; Image Source: AlMultaqa Cultural Hub

Ahmed Shamma Feeling The Vibes, Incredible Composer & Oud Player For The AlMultaqa Harmonic Orchestra

Then came the Red Peacock. Wrapped in fiery scarlet and gold, the mythical bird’s entrance marked the show’s crescendo. Its shimmering costume, captured every flicker of light, symbolizing transformation and renewal. It was more than a visual spectacle—it was a reminder of the orchestra’s perseverance. Rising from the ashes of displacement and loss, the peacock encapsulated the spirit of Sudan: unyielding, vivacious, and alive.

“On The Brink!”-Dance Segment Teaser From The Performance; Video Source: AlMultaqa Cultural Hub

This wasn’t just about stunning visuals or mesmerizing music. For the AlMultaqa Harmonic Orchestra, “On the Brink!” was a fight for survival. Once 100 members strong, the group now performs with far fewer musicians. Yet their sound has only grown richer, layered with the stories and memories of those who can no longer play alongside them.

The performance carried an urgency that went beyond the stage. Sudan, still reeling from a devastating civil war, faces the threat of losing not just lives but entire traditions. This production stood as a declaration: that music, stories, and heritage cannot be erased. It was also deeply personal. Khalda’s memories of a house once filled with music and laughter, now silenced by conflict, served as both a reminder of what was lost and a call to preserve what remains.

“On the Brink!” was a shared endeavor. Every detail—the costumes, the set design, the lighting—was the product of collaboration. The dancers brought the rivers to life, the musicians wove together notes that felt ancient and immediate, and the technical crew transformed the stage into a world of movement and light.

“On The Brink!”–Teaser Performance; Video Source: AlMultaqa Cultural Hub

As I listened to her messages describe the experience, it was clear that this performance was about more than art. It was about holding onto something irreplaceable. Through every step and every note, the orchestra reminded its audience that culture is a lifeline. “This is how we honor those who came before us,” she said. “Through creation, through connection, through remembering.”

Even from afar, the impact was unmistakable. “On the Brink!” wasn’t just an evening of music and dance—it was a promise to carry forward Sudan’s cultural legacy, no matter the obstacles. For the AlMultaqa Harmonic Orchestra, this performance was a declaration that their music would continue to flow, like the rivers that inspired it.

The Cause Behind The Creativity-The Gate, An Evocative Documentary Featuring AlMultaqa Harmonic Orchestra-Source: AlMultaqa Cultural Hub

To revisit their earlier journey, read Echoes of Unity: The Melodic Journey of the AlMultaqa Chamber Orchestra. As Khalda shared in one of her final messages, “We create because we must. Because without creation, there is silence. And silence is something we cannot accept.”