The Desert Flower Musical WÜSTENBLUME

Stage version euphorically celebrated by audience and critics
Following the world bestseller and successful film adaptation, the moving life story of Waris Dirie, founder of the Desert Flower Foundation, is now also available on the theatre stage. The musical WÜSTENBLUME convinced audiences and critics alike at its world premiere.
"Goosebump moments at the musical Wüstenblume", wrote the renowned Süddeutsche Zeitung. While the Schweizer Blick headlined "Cheers for strong women at the world premiere of the musical Wüstenblume", Stern praised lyrics and music: "It also works on the musical stage, thanks to strong lyrics and thrilling music".
WÜSTENBLUME was not only intended to entertain the audience, but also to convey a clear message. "I want to encourage women and girls with the musical", reveals Waris Dirie. "You can achieve anything in life - even as a woman... No matter where you come from or what colour your skin is."
World premiere. The Theater St. Gallen in Switzerland is known for its new musicals, which is why the musical WÜSTENBLUME celebrated its world premiere there on 22 February 2020. Gil Mehmert ("Das Wunder von Bern") wrote the book and directed. The music was composed by Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen. The German composer is a guarantee for catchy tunes. He composed top hits such as "99 Luftballons" and "Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann" for Germany's pop icon Nena, with whom he toured for years as a band member (keyboard).
From 99 Luftballons to Wüstenblume. Fahrenkrog-Petersen has been working on the development of musicals since 2012. He composed the sensitive music for the musical, in which several songs have the potential to become global hits.
After the performances at the St. Gallen Theatre, WÜSTENBLUME went on tour. At the beginning of October 2023, the play celebrated its successful German premiere at the Deutsches Theater in Munich.
Further venues are already being planned.
Scene from the musical WÜSTENBLUME with Kerry Jean in the leading role. Photo: Andreas J. Etter
Scene from the musical WÜSTENBLUME with Kerry Jean in the leading role. Photo: Andreas J. Etter
Naomi Simmonds steps into the role of the young Waris Dirie. Photo: Andreas J. Etter
Naomi Simmonds steps into the role of the young Waris Dirie. Photo: Andreas J. Etter
Summary:
Waris Dirie's story of a nomadic girl who flees Somalia to escape forced marriage and becomes a supermodel in London, but also a committed human rights campaigner against female genital mutilation, touched people all over the world.
The autobiographical book became a global bestseller in the 1990s, and the feature film also made headlines worldwide in 2009.
The musical is now another plea that it is worth not simply taking your fate for granted, but fighting against it. No matter how rough the road may be.