Soophia Foroughi stars in the musical adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s Broken Wings by Nadim Naaman and Dana Al Fardan.
Performed in-the-round, Broken Wings takes us on an unmissable musical voyage, exploring issues of gender equality, immigration, the freedom to love who we love, and what ‘home’ really means to us. Over a century later, and the themes and debates raised in Gibran’s story, remain increasingly relevant today.
After multiple productions of the musical in concert form around the Middle East this will be the first full staging of the musical. which runs at Charing Cross Theatre 11 February – 26 March 2022.
You’re appearing in Broken Wings at Charing Cross Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
‘Broken Wings’ was the first autobiographical novel written by Khalil Gibran, one of the greatest-selling poets of all time, who wrote the world famous ‘The Prophet’. It explores many themes, including gender equality, immigration and the meaning and importance of ‘home’. It’s really exciting to be bringing this beautiful show to life in such an intimate setting, along with a cast wholly comprising of MENASA heritage, which feels pretty special and important.
When did you first become involved with the production and what were your first impressions of it?
I first heard the music of Broken Wings 4 years ago and fell in love with it instantly. It captures the essence of the Middle East, whilst bringing with it a more Western sound that is made up of contemporary and legit singing. It’s been so wonderful to see Broken Wings evolve over the years I’m excited for audiences to see it as a fully staged production in this space.
What’s impressed you the most about the way Nadim Naaman and Dana Al Fardan have adapted this story for the stage?
The stage adaption of Broken Wings has stayed very faithful to the writing of Gibran – Gibran fans will certainly be familiar with some of his most famous work, as it is intertwined within the show.
The novel version written by Gibran was beautifully poetic in style, which Nadim has captured within the writing of the show. Along with Dana’s writing and Joe Davison’s glorious orchestrations, Broken Wings takes you to Beirut – the emotive music works beautifully within the writing.
Tell us a little about your character?
I play the role of Mother, which is portrayed as an almost ethereal role within the piece – we see her as the memory of Gibran; how she encouraged him as a boy to revisit his roots and learn more about his heritage. She played a huge influence in the writing and beliefs of Gibran – her strength, tenacity and warmth allowed for him to explore and share his forward-thinking ways through his writing.
What have you enjoyed most about working with director, Bronagh Lagan?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Bronagh through previous incarnations of Broken Wings – I think she is one of the most intelligent, talented directors that our industry has! I’ve always felt a huge sense of trust when working with her – I believe in her ideas and intentions, whilst she equally allows for us as actors to explore ideas and merge them together.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Broken Wings?
Come and see us! The cast and creatives are insanely talented, the music and orchestrations are beautiful and the show is thought-provoking. We as a cast feel incredibly proud to be representing our ethnicity through this piece, and I’m sure there will be at least one song that will stick with you upon leaving the theatre…
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