Brides of the Rain is a new musical theater production created by musicians, artists, and water activists. This collaborative effort features 10 artists from Europe, Basra, Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. In this work, the mythologies of the world’s oldest civilizations are interwoven, giving voice to the forces of nature.

In July 2023, the first sketches of the piece were developed in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region. The first performances were held in Amsterdam in May 2024 by the World Opera Lab ensemble. On June 12-14, the play will be performed in Sulaymaniyah in collaboration with the Save the Tigris Foundation, the Sanjat music ensemble from Baghdad, and musicians from Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Basra. The performances were organized in collaboration with nonprofit organization Waterkeepers Iraq and the Humat Dijlah Association.

“Brides of the Rain is inspired by an ancient Kurdish ritual. It is a new performance with music and theater, with artists from Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah contributing,” World Opera Lab artistic director Miranda Lakerveld told Kurdistan Chronicle. 

“The performance takes the audience through the rich past of Mesopotamia and the stories of its waters. Brides of the Rain features the Mesopotamian goddess Tiamat, from whose water the earth and heaven are made; Anahita, the Kurdish protector of rivers and fertility; and Anat, who creates harmony between the seas and the rivers.” 

“Today, the sacred rivers and springs are in danger. The Euphrates and Tigris rivers are drying up and are threatened by pollution. In Brides of the Rain, Tiamat, Anahita, and Anat meet each other after many years. They remind each other of the old stories and decide to join forces before it’s too late.” 

“This work shows ancient connections between cultures and reflects on the global use – and misuse – of natural resources. We see the ancient goddesses in our own time: Tiamat cries on the banks of the drying Euphrates river, Anahita curses that pollution in her waters, and Anat cries for peace,” she added. 

She underlined that their aim is to shed light on two things: the ancient connections that created our civilizations ànd the contemporary entanglements that are destroying the world that we live in. 

Roza Zana Abdullah, a flutist from Erbil, told Kurdistan Chronicle that collaborating on Brides of the Rain has been an inspiring experience.

She said it showcases how art can raise awareness and drive change for vital water issues.

“This project is interesting, unique, and very different from anything I’ve worked on before.”

"Working on Brides of the Rain has been an incredibly enriching and transformative journey,” Abdullah added. “As Anahita, the river goddess, I’ve had the unique opportunity to blend myth, music, and theater to highlight the pressing water issues facing Iraq. This project has allowed me to collaborate with a talented ensemble of musicians and actors, each bringing their own creativity and passion to the table.”

“Together, we’ve created a performance that is not only artistically captivating, but also deeply meaningful. We’ve delved into the rich cultural heritage surrounding water, exploring ancient myths and modern-day challenges. Through this immersive experience, we aim to raise awareness about the critical state of water resources in Iraq and inspire our audience to take action. Brides of the Rain is a powerful reminder of water’s sacred role in our lives and the urgent need to protect this precious resource for future generations.”