New Egypt-France Co-Production Pays Tribute to Music Legend Dalida
DUBAI — A new musical celebrating the life and career of legendary singer Dalida will premiere in Egypt this autumn, marking the 40th anniversary of the artist’s death.
“Dalida: The Song That Never Ends” was unveiled at a press conference at the French Embassy in Cairo on Sunday, attended by French Ambassador Eric Chevalier, opera singer Farrah El-Dibany, director Khairy Beshara, and writer Walid Khairy. The Egypt-France co-production is part of the 2026 Mediterranean Season, a French-led cultural initiative celebrating artistic collaboration across the region.
The musical will debut at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on October 31 before moving to Cairo for performances in November. The Alexandria premiere will also close this year’s Mediterranean Season.
Ambassador Chevalier described the project as an example of strong cultural ties between France and Egypt, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving Dalida’s artistic legacy. El-Dibany said portraying the legendary singer had been a childhood dream, and she first approached Beshara with the idea before developing it with Khairy.
Beshara described Dalida as a woman of contrasts, combining vulnerability with strength throughout her life. Khairy said the musical explores lesser-known chapters of Dalida’s story while celebrating her Egyptian roots, which remained central to her identity despite her international success.
The production features new musical arrangements by French-Armenian pianist Andre Manoukian. Announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2023, the Mediterranean Season promotes cultural exchange through exhibitions, performances, and collaborations, with this year’s program emphasizing creativity, youth, and cross-cultural partnerships.
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