The Queen of Sheba (Sabae), a woman of strong diplomatic skills, knows that she has to pay homage to King Solomon to protect the security of her land. As she and her entourage set out on the long journey to his palace in Jerusalem, they are farewelled and wished luck by representatives of the Queen's people.
The Queen's entourage breaks the journey at a Caravan Saray, where there is time for bathing, coffee, dancing and singing before the Spirit of Travel blesses the Queen's continuing mission.
Meanwhile, at the Palace of King Solomon, anticipation is growing as the members of the Court assemble for the imminent arrival of the Queen from the strange, exotic land so far away. Solomon's First Wife is nervous but his Youngest Wife looks forward to the celebrations that will follow. The Ladies of the Court begin to arrive, along with musicians and servants with food. The Pharaoh's Daughter enters - she is Solomon's saddest wife, so far from home and her former life in Egypt.
At last, the Queen's entourage make their colourful entrance, amazing and delighting the Court. The Queen is greeted by the King and together they take their places for the celebrations to mark their meeting.
This performance was inspired by The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon by Edmund Poynter. This beautiful artwork is part of the Art Gallery of NSW collection.
Queen of Sheba - Alexandra from Desert Flame (NSW Central Coast)
King Solomon - Charles Richmond
Queen's Fan Bearers - Rose and Alma (Perth)
People of Sabae:
BelaTabla (Glenbrook)
Laziza (Perth)
UrbanTurban (Sydney)
At the Caravan Saray:
Hathor Dance Theatre (Sydney)
Groovii Biscuit (Sydney)
Hilary (Sydney)
SAH HRA (Sydney)
Veils of Baghdad (Canberra)
Spirit of Travel - Luna (Adelaide)
Palace of King Solomon:
Solomon's First Wife - Amera (Sydney)
Solomon's Youngest Wife - Josefina (Sydney)
Ladies of the Court - Tahira and Silk Caravan (Newcastle NSW)
Court Musicians - TARAB (Bellingen NSW)
The Pharaoh's Daughter - Shamira (Adelaide)
The King's Guard - Shiva (Sydney)
Servants Bring Food - Harika (Canberra)
More Ladies of the Court Arrvie - Turkish Delights (Sydney)
Queen's Entourage - Ghawazi Caravan (Blue Mountains)
Queen's Gift Bearers - Desert Jewels Dancers (Sydney)