SYDNEY: The finishing touches were being put on a glitzy show at the Sydney Opera House Saturday, as the venue prepared to host an opera crowd for the first time since March.
“The Merry Widow” will open on Tuesday to masked audiences up to 75 percent capacity, in a sign of hope for a performing arts industry crippled by the pandemic, artistic director Lyndon Terracini told AFP.
“Walking back into the theater was a very emotional time for everyone involved,” he said.
“I think throughout this year, other opera houses will be opening very soon and people will be coming back to the theater with a sense of hope.”
Thanks to Australia’s success in suppressing the virus, crowds inside venues — including the Sydney Opera House — have been permitted in the country’s most populous city for months.
But even as the performers readied for their opening night, an outbreak in the city forced officials to tighten restrictions — including a new mandate on mask-wearing on public transport and in many indoor settings from midnight Saturday.
The outbreak of over 180 cases first emerged in December in Sydney’s northeast but has since sparked other clusters, including in Melbourne.
Areas of Sydney remain under lockdown and officials have suggested further restrictions may be needed to curb the spread — which could include a change to audiences at indoor performances.
Julie Lea Goodwin, who leads the show along with Alexander Lewis, said she was thrilled to be back performing but after a nine-month hiatus the uncertainty of the pandemic still loomed.
“I have no idea what’s ahead,” Goodwin said.
“I think that Australia is doing an unbelievable job... but it’s just going to be a process for the next year, I’d say, or longer.”
Australia has recorded over 28,400 cases of the virus and 909 deaths linked to Covid-19 in a population of about 25 million.
Opera to return to Sydney after virus hiatus
https://arab.news/m4m6v
Opera to return to Sydney after virus hiatus
- The outbreak of over 180 cases first emerged in December in Sydney’s northeast but has since sparked other clusters
- Areas of Sydney remain under lockdown and officials have suggested further restrictions may be needed
Malika El-Maslouhi ushers in spring in Maje
DUBAI: Moroccan Italian model Malika El-Maslouhi is the embodiment of relaxed in Parisian label Maje’s Spring-Summer 2026 campaign.
The model took to Instagram to share shots from the campaign. Set against a minimalist concrete backdrop, El-Maslouhi is seen wearing a green and white striped knit cardigan paired with wide-leg, speckled denim and chunky black boots, creating a chic contrast between casual comfort and fashion-forward styling. The oversized brown leather bag slung under her arm adds a touch of understated luxury.
She captioned the post, “Spring renaissance.”
Meanwhile, El-Maslouhi ended 2025 on a strong note with a holiday campaign for the French luxury label Guerlain.
In a photo shared on the brand’s Instagram page, the 27-year-old model, who has become a favorite on international runways, wore the limited-edition Rouge G lipstick from Guerlain’s Tale of Wonders Holiday Collection in shade G 877. She was also pictured holding the lipstick alongside the matching limited-edition Rouge G Stellar case.
In August 2025, she was the face of Anthropologie’s 2026 resort-wear campaign. The line blended breezy elegance with playful details, including jewel-toned maxi dresses, sleek black knitted dresses, and form-fitting satin gowns that would be perfect for date night.
El-Maslouhi has previously starred in Anthropologie’s summer campaigns. The catwalk star was photographed posing pool and beachside in pieces from Anthropologie’s summer offering, which included ready-to-wear, swimwear and accessories.
Earlier in the year, El-Maslouhi starred in Saint Levant’s music video for the song “Exile,” directed by Algerian-French filmmaker Lyna Zerrouki. The video, which explores themes of longing, loss and hope, features El-Maslouhi against a striking blue backdrop, seemingly falling through the air.
El-Maslouhi, born in Milan to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother, began her modeling career at the age of 18. She has since appeared on runways for international fashion houses including Dior, Chanel, Valentino and Jacquemus, gracing the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. Over the years, she has walked for brands such as Ulla Johnson, Prabal Gurung, David Koma, Boss, Missoni, Messika and more.
She has also featured in campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Off-White and Lanvin, expanding her portfolio across both luxury and contemporary fashion.
In 2022, she was awarded the Model of the Year in Italy title.
