Baalbek to major Arab and international stages. Director Ivan Karakalla said the troupe’s journey has grown beyond an artistic project into a “national dream” that reflects Lebanon’s history, heritage, and creative spirit.
His remarks came during a reception and tribute organized by the Lebanese Association for Studies and Training in honor of the Karakalla Dance Theater. The event brought together dignitaries, diplomatic and social figures, as well as local leaders.
The association’s president, Dr. Rami Al-Laqis, welcomed Ivan Karakalla and the guests. He also praised the troupe’s role in promoting Lebanese art and strengthening Lebanon’s cultural presence internationally.
The Lebanese Karakalla Theater Began in Baalbek
During the ceremony, attendees watched a documentary highlighting major milestones in the troupe’s journey, from its beginnings in Lebanon to performances on prestigious stages and opera houses around the world.
Ivan Karakalla emphasized the strong connection between The Lebanese Karakalla Theater and Baalbek. He explained that the city and its heritage formed the foundation of the troupe’s artistic identity.
According to Karakalla, the theater has become “a national dream” with an identity that is Baalbekian, Lebanese, Arab, and global.
Wherever the troupe performs, he added, it carries the history of Baalbek alongside the memories, customs, and traditions of its people.
As a result, performances in Washington, London, China, and other international destinations have gone beyond dance. They have presented global audiences with an image of Lebanon’s culture and civilization and highlighted the country’s commitment to art and heritage despite difficult circumstances.
The Lebanese Karakalla Theater Preserves Its Roots
Ivan Karakalla also reflected on the journey of the troupe’s founder, Abdul Halim Karakalla.
He noted that a project that eventually reached some of the world’s most prestigious theaters originally grew from a deeply local Lebanese environment.
The founder drew inspiration from everyday life in Baalbek and from Lebanese traditions. He then transformed these influences into a modern theatrical vision combining dance, music, costumes, and drama.
Through this approach, The Lebanese Karakalla Theater developed a distinctive artistic identity while remaining closely connected to its Lebanese roots.
In fact, heritage became one of the troupe’s greatest strengths, allowing it to communicate with audiences from different cultures and backgrounds.
Karakalla Carries Lebanon’s Culture to the World
Karakalla stressed that culture plays an essential role in protecting Lebanon’s image and strengthening its presence around the world.
He explained that nations are not defined only by political events. They are also
remembered through literature, music, theater, architecture, and other forms of creativity.
He pointed to Shakespeare in Britain, Wagner in Germany,
Leonardo da Vinci and Verdi in Italy, as well as Pushkin and the Bolshoi Theater in Russia.
In the same way, Lebanon has Baalbek and its extraordinary historical, cultural, and artistic legacy.
For The Lebanese Karakalla Theater, that heritage has become a source of inspiration
and a way to introduce Lebanon to international audiences through performance.
Art Remains Lebanon’s Message of Hope
Despite Lebanon’s repeated crises, Ivan Karakalla said the country continues to possess a remarkable ability to create, innovate, and inspire hope.
He stressed that culture remains one of the most powerful messages Lebanon can send to the world.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Karakalla thanked the Lebanese Association
for Studies and Training and its president, Dr. Rami Al-Laqis, for the tribute.
The event ended with an artistic and cultural evening, while attention now turns to
future projects and festivals that could bring The Lebanese Karakalla Theater back to Baalbek to celebrate its artistic legacy near the city’s historic landmarks.
