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In recent years a number of new performance venues have opened across the Middle East. This is paving the way for productions across the world to bring their performances to new audiences. Some of the top venues in the region include iconic Dubai Opera, the New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Centre, the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre in Kuwait, the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture in Saudi Arabia and of course our Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman.
Each venue attracts a variety of different productions, including a rich mixture of Western ballet, opera and concerts and more traditional and modern Arabic music. Interestingly, staff are also often an eclectic mixture of talent from around the world.
With this rapid expansion, production companies are starting to include these venues more and more on international touring circuits.
Recently, discussions on the SoundGirls social media platforms have included members asking for advice on their upcoming tour dates. My advice is as follows!
Most countries in the GCC will require at least six months on your passport when you enter the country. You are also likely to need a visa. This might be a work visa or a tourist visa for short term work. Depending on the country this will be organised when you arrive. You may need to hand your documents over to a PRO (Public Relations Officer) for a few days. This is normal here as the process can be rather complicated.
Contrary to popular belief in the West this does not just apply to women. Think modest! Shorts and vest tops are not acceptable work dress for anyone (male or female). Long sleeve t-shirts (not tight or low cut) are comfy, but a shirt is more appropriate for most situations. Smart jeans (not skinny fit) are OK, but a smart pair of chinos is better. Air con is normally at a steady 21 degrees Celsius so if you’re indoors bring a cardi! Venues will advise you on any particular rules.
If you are working outside, the heat can be rather overwhelming. It sounds like common sense, but you will need lots of changes of clothes – including socks.
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and copious amounts of water are all essential. Excellent re-hydration drinks are available in supermarkets and chemists. It’s worth having a few sachets in your tool case.
Remember that during Ramadan drinking and eating in public is prohibited. There is often a room put aside for those not fasting so again… please do not panic! Be respectful to those around you who are fasting and try not to announce what you’ve got for lunch!
Respect is the key word here. A friendly face speaks a thousand words when language barriers get in the way. It is useful to learn a few phrases to greet your hosts. ‘As-Salamu Alaykum’ means ‘peace be upon you’ and is used to say hello. This always gets things off to a good start. Even if you can’t speak any other Arabic, this will be appreciated.
Raising your voice is not taken well in any circumstance, even if you are feeling extremely put out. Stay calm and if you keep talking you will often find a way to compromise.
Generally speaking, the region is very safe. Obviously, take normal precautions as you would at home. Women can get ‘stared at’ whilst doing physical work. This is because it is unusual to see women in these roles. Do not take offense. Understanding different cultures is a two-way learning curve.
Men may try and take heavy cases away from women. Firmly, politely and confidently say that you are fine. Don’t let go and SMILE! After a few attempts, the person will give up and leave you to it.
Fast food is extremely popular here. You will find most of the chains that you would at home. Of course, it is always fun to try the local delicacies. Try a Shwarma or Shuwa for a local style lunch. Lemon and mint juice is also an absolute must try! Increasingly more outlets are catering for vegetarian and gluten free options.
Alcohol (in the countries that are not totally dry) is available in some hotels or bars. It is more complicated to buy off the shelf unless you have a licence so if you are only passing through it is much easier to buy duty-free at the airport.
I hope that this clears up some of the misconceptions that make the rounds on social media. Sometimes it is better to take the risk and see for yourself. There are some incredible places to visit in the Middle East, and if someone is paying you for the privilege, it is an opportunity not to be missed.
Article by SoundGirl: Clare Hibberd
Another great article by Sound Girls: Touring: Finding The Work/Life Balance
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The mission of SoundGirls.org is to inspire and empower the next generation of women in audio. Our mission is to create a supportive community for women in audio and music production, providing the tools, knowledge, and support to further their careers. SoundGirls.Org was formed in 2013 by veteran live sound engineers Karrie Keyes and Michelle Sabolchick Pettinato and operates under the Fiscal Sponsorship of The California Women’s Music Festival, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 2012, Karrie and Michelle participated in the “Women of Professional Concert Sound” panel at the AES Conference in San Francisco. The panel was hosted by the Women’s Audio Mission (WAM) and moderated by WAM founder Terri Winston. Terri brought together five women working in live and broadcast audio. The groundbreaking panel (which also included Jeri Palumbo, Claudia Engelhart and Deanne Franklin), provided young women and men a glimpse into life on the road, tips and advice, and a Q & A with the panelists. More importantly though, was how incredibly powerful the experience was for the panelists. We had all been in the business for 20 years or more, yet most of us had never met before that day and within minutes we bonded like long-lost sisters. We were struck by how similar our experiences, work ethics, and passions were and wondered why our paths had never crossed and how our careers would have been different had we been there to support each other through the years. Each of us are strong on our own, but together we were even stronger and a powerful force. We were empowered. Each of us had been asked hundreds of times in our careers: Are there other women doing sound? How did you get into sound? How would a young woman go about getting into sound? Through creating SoundGirls.Org, we hope to establish a place for women working in professional audio to come for support and advice, to share our success and failures, our joys and frustrations, and for empowerment and inspiration.
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