Opera about Tutankhamun's life celebrates opening of Grand Egyptian Museum

Play is written by Zahi Hawas, features dramatic events of young pharaoh's short life

World renowned Egyptologist and archaeolo- gist Zahi Hawas announced on Tuesday that he is done with writing the newest Opera play "Tu- tankhamun" with the help of international musi- cians, which will be performed at the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), according to state-owned media outlet Al-Ahram.
The opera is to portray the life of Tutankha- mun as the youngest pharaoh to rule Egypt, fo- cusing on the dramatic events that changed his life from an early age until his death.
not have any drama, which is the opposite from the truth for the young pharaoh whose life was filled with sets of dramatic events, since that cannot be found in any other king's life from his birth until his death," Hawas said in press statements, according to Al-Ahram.
He also added that the opera, which he is sure will attract global interest and huge pub- licity due to the name of Tutankhamun reveals sides from the pharaoh's personal life.
As for choosing Tutankhamun to write an op- era about, Hawas explained the reason as "he is the star of the museum."
"Many believe that Tutankhamun's life didnot have any drama, which is the opposite from the truth for the young pharaoh whose life was filled with sets of dramatic events, since that cannot be found in any other king's life from his birth until his death," Hawas said in press statements, according to Al-Ahram.
He also added that the opera, which he is sure will attract global interest and huge publicity due to the name of Tutankhamun reveals sides from the pharaoh's personal life.
As for choosing Tutankhamun to write an op- era about, Hawas explained the reason as "he is the star of the museum."
The GEM is to showcase all the be- longings of the golden king at a Tu- tankhamun dedicated hall, to be the first Egyptian museum to display all the king's belongings at one place.
For almost a year, the Ministry of Antiquities has been transferring the king's belongings from museums all over Egypt preparing for the GEM's soft opening, planned to take place this year.
The opera, according to Hawas, recites the historical timeline of the young pharaoh, since a little child who was born and raised by his step-mom Nefertiti.
The opera tells the story of Nefer- titi, the jealous step-mom who does not want Tutankhamun to take over the rule after his father, to the extent of requesting one of Egypt's enemies to kill him.
In his statements, Hawas added that the king is not the only star of the play, as it highlights the roles of Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Horemheb, and Ay, along with other important figures who helped draw history as we cur- rently know it.