6 - 12 September 2001
Issue No.550
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 6 - 12 September 2001 Issue No.550 |
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'Lake' Aida?
Would the construction of a small 'lake' behind the Giza pyramids endanger the monuments? Nevine El-Aref delves into the latest controversy surrounding the use of the pyramids as a backdrop for cultural events
When Giuseppe Verdi's Aida was staged in 1998 and 1999 at the foot of the Giza pyramids, the production met with great acclaim. Apart from 1987, 1994 and 1997 when the performances were held in Luxor, and last year when the production was canceled, the Giza plateau for more than a decade has been the site of annual productions that usually draw thousands of people from all parts of the world. The opera narrates the love story of Egyptian army chief, Radames, and Aida, the daughter of his arch enemy, the king of Ethiopia. Their love ends in tragedy.
Preparations waiting for Aida
This year's production was timed to coincide with the centenary of the Italian composer's death on 12 October. To create an unforgettable spectacle, the production design calls for a lake to be constructed around the stage and a miniature 15-metre-high step pyramid, made of wood-coated steel. These innovations by renowned Italian open-air opera director Pier Luigi Pizzi were received with enthusiastic praise from Opera House officials and Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, but they were met with by objections from some Egyptologists.
Some described them as a threat to the safety and "sanctity" of the pyramids area. But others believe that they might improve the presentation of the opera and provide an additional attraction to draw people from around the world. "Our goal is to innovate and create a glamorous atmosphere against the divine pyramid backdrop. We are always keen on the safety of archaeological sites because they are our heritage," Hosni told Al-Ahram Weekly. He added that "to be on the safe side," a committee comprising Egyptologists, engineers, technicians and artists will meet within days to decide whether to go ahead with the construction of the lake and the replica of the step pyramid.
Antiquities officials are confident that the methods they have proposed to safeguard the monuments would be effective. Gaballa Ali Gaballa, secretary- general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), affirmed that the lake would not have a negative impact on the archaeological site.
He explained that the proposed "lake" would actually be a shallow water-filled trench, 100 metres-long, 10 metres-wide and five to 10 centimetres deep. It is to be lined with stainless steel-coated iron sheets to prevent water from seeping into the surrounding area.
"The amount of water in the lake will be much less than the rains that strike the plateau every winter," said Gaballa.
Voicing a different opinion, Ahmed El-Sawi, an Egyptian antiquities professor, pointed out that constructing a lake inside the archaeological area contravenes the antiquities law No. 117 for 1983, which stipulates imprisonment as the penalty for anyone who changes, adds to, or disfigures any archaeological site. He said that if the plan is implemented, the Ministry of Culture and the SCA would be culpable for destroying a priceless archaeological site.
Abdel-Halim Noureddin, dean of the Faculty of Antiquities, Fayyoum University, believes that it is acceptable to utilise the area surrounding any ancient site, whether it contains a pyramid or a temple, for cultural activities, on condition that the use of the area does not result in its being damaged. However, he objected to the plan for the lake. "It is a very dangerous plan that does not contain sufficient protections against water seepage," Noureddin added.
The executive producer of this year's production of Aida, Hassan Kami, believes that a lake is dramatically relevant to the production and would greatly enhance two scenes. The first is the celebration of the Egyptian victory and the second is a scene in the Third Act where Aida sings for the Nile to help her in her misery. As for the replica of the pyramid, Aida and her lover will be buried inside it at the end of the opera. "This time, the opera will be much more dazzling," Kami said.
"What is all this fuss about," wonders Samir Farag, head of the Opera House. "Why are Egyptologists afraid of constructing this lake? It is a small water channel that will be constructed by the armed forces who guarantee full control of the water and the prevention of any leakage."
Zahi Hawass, director- general of the Giza Plateau and Bahariya oasis, sent his official objection to Gaballa last week. In his letter Hawass described the proposed lake as a threat to the sanctity and appearance of the plateau. If water were to seep from the trench, the northern cemetery of Khufu's officials would be destroyed, he said.
Hawass supported his argument by noting that all rest- houses on the plateau were removed in order to safeguard against the possibility of any seepage from their water supplies.
As the debate continues, work at the plateau is proceeding at a frenetic pace: a stage has been constructed and a lighting system installed and the replica step pyramid stands on the stage.
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