• Play Reviews
• Brief Synopsis of Main Events

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Play Reviews
 

Play:Az Zeir Salem

Written by:George Ibrahim
Directed by:Mohammed Khomais
Music:Said Murad
Al Zeir Salem is an epic still living in the Palestinian collective memory,with a special flavor.A total of 17 actors and actresses,in addition to the director, Mohammad Khomais,add a touch of magic to he epic.Using the text of Alfred Faraj,written for theatre,and the original epic,and the conscience of the famous poet,Amal Dunkul,to re-interpret the epic in a new way;and the result is a work full of he details of life,of artistic extremism,music, madness,and magic.
Ramallah,Friday 04,Saturday 05,and Sunday 06 August 19:30,Al Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque.
 

Play:The Immigrant "Al Muhajer"

Written by:George Shahada
Adapted by:George Ibrahim
Directed by:Muhammad Khomais
"Al Muhajer",meaning the immigrant,is an adaptation of George Shahada's "The Immigrant of Brisbane."The play delves deeply into the human agony which accompanied the Palestinians experience of immigration,an experience that deserves to be described as very unique.
Ramallah,Thursday 10 and Friday 11 August 19:30,Al Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque.
 

Play:The Clown

Written by:Mohammed Al Maghout
Adapted by:Makram Khoury,George Ibrahim & Hussam abu Esheh
Directed by:Makram Khoury
Al Kasaba production of he Clown,ackles a central issue,namely the city of Jerusalem and its isolation,land confiscation,its besiege and the settlements founded in its heart.The play akes place in one of its old streets where the group presents its show in one of the cafes and sheds light on what is happening in the Arab World from deterioration,retardation and under-development.
Ramallah,Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August 19:30,Al Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque.
 

Play:Bab el Shams (Door of the Sun)

Written for the stage by:Najib Ghallale &George Ibrahim
Actor:Makram Khoury
Director:Najib Ghallale
Based on Lebanese writer,Elias Khoury's novel by the same title,this monodrama attempts to recreate the world of Palestinian refugees as portrayed in he tens of stories narrated by the refugees themselves who have had over 50 years to experience the true nature of refuge and disposession.
Ramallah,Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August 19:30,Al Kasaba theatre and Cinematheque.

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Brief Synopsis of Main Events
 

Khalil Abu Nicola and his musical group "Samah"

Local artist and musician,Khalil Abu Nicola established his musical group "Samah"in 1987. Their musical expression runs along various forms and genres with special emphasis on Palestinian heritage and folklore.He also performs Muwashahat and Al Dor,two classical music forms in he Arabic repertoire. In addition to his own poems,his lyrics are based on poetry by prominent Palestinian poets such as Tawfiq Zayyad,Samih Al Qasem and Mahmoud Darwish. Bethlehem,Thursday 03 August 20:00 Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Rida Folklore Dancing Troupe –Egypt

Mahmoud Rida established the troupe with the cooperation of the music composer, choreographer and dancer Ali Rida and the artist Farida Fahmi.They successfully presented their first performance in August 1959 and since then have occupied the limelight of Egyptian popular dancing,as representative of rural,coastal and desert living.The troupe includes 13 female and 16 male dancers accompanied by 13 musicians. Bethlehem,Thursday 03 August 20:00, Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Al-Bara'em Musical Group

Al Bara'em musical group was established in 1985 by a number of young enthusiastic musicians from different parts of Palestine.The members of he group built their experience mainly from playing in festivals and both formal and popular celebrations throughout Palestine. Committed to he highest standards in lyrics and musical performance,they produce original material that draws on the best of indigenous Palestinian musical and literary traditions.Al Bara'em has performed in many international musical and cultural events such as the Oslo Peace Concert in 1994;Women,he Voice of he Oppressed Concert in London in 1996;Al- Bara'em released their first album "Fulfillment of the Promise,"in 1991.Their second album, "Arous al-Mooj"(Bride of the Sea Waves)was released in June 1995.
Bethlehem,Friday 04 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Ibda'Dance Group

Ibda'a,meaning "creativity"in Arabic,was founded in 1994 as part of a cultural exchange program between French teens and Palestinian teens from Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem.Today the troupe,12 boys and 12 girls,aged 12-15 years,perform hree sketches that depict the history of Palestinian refugees and their aspirations through traditional and folk choreography:Al-Waseeya (The Will),Al Khaima (The Tent)and Al Matakhal (Political Prisoners). Ibda'has performed in numerous festivals and events in Palestine and in various cities abroad such as France,Greece,Sweden,Denmark, Belgium,USA,Holland,Italy,Cyprus,Iraq and Jordan.
Bethlehem,Friday 04 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Palestinian Artist Abeer Sansour and her musical band "Palestine Oriental Rhythms"

Abeer Sansour was born in Bethlehem.She has presented the Bethlehem 2000 Operetta during the millenium inauguration event.A free lance singer when she does not team up with Palestine Oriental Rythyms,Abeer has her own repertoire of nationalistic songs and is currently preparing a tape of romantic songs.She has published special tape for children.
Bethlehem,Saturday 05 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Ihya'Baladna Group

Ihya'Baladna Group has committed itself to present a modern image of Palestinian performing art.This dance group,whose name signifies a call to revive national heritage,is also committed to he larger heritage of human civilisation.
The troupe includes thirty-eight members.
Having survived many years of isolation and cultural siege, they see their role presently as developers of Palestinian folklore and as ambassadors to disseminate it worldwide. During the August music nights, the troupe will present its new production "Wsaya",a story that connects the past with he present through the story of Canaan and his commandments.
Bethlehem,Saturday 05 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Kufur Yaseef Ensemble

Kufur Yaseef Ensemble,which includes forty musicians and singers,was established in 1994 by Imad Dalal.The ensemble performs various kinds of Arab classical music and particularly excells with the form of old Muwashahat.It also performs pieces based on lyrics from local poets. The troupe has participated in various local and international folkloric festivals.
Bethlehem,Sunday 06 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Mustafa Al-Kurd

Mustafa Al-Kurd was born in 1945 within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem,where he grew up at the intersection of several musical traditions:classical Arabic oud,Sufi chants and rhythms,Byzantine chanting,European organ music and Palestinian folklore.From hese rich sources he created a new genre-his own version of contemporary Palestinian music.As a composer and songwriter,he sets to music the lyrics of renowned Palestinian poets such as Mahmoud Darwish,Rachid Hussein,Taufiq Zayyad as well as his own poems.
Bethlehem,Sunday 06 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Shahinaz Musical Group

This group incorporates eight musicians into an Eastern Ensemble that considers itself as the prototype of authentic Arab music ensembles.The members have obtained their experience from participating and performing in various local groups.The group has performed locally several times and has participated in the Shafa Amer Song Festival as well as in the Opera House in Cairo.It has also participated in "Al Medina"Festival in Tunis.
Bethlehem,Monday 07 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Sarreyyat Ramallah Troupe for Music and Dance

The Sarreyyat Ramallah Troupe for Music and Dance is specialized in Palestinian dance and music.Its work is based on Arab cultural art in general and the Palestinian art in particular.In his festival the troupe will present for the first time its new production entitled "al-Birjawi".Al-Birjawi is about the secret love between Musallam Al-Jawal and Zarqa'Al-Muqeema.Musallam,an itinerant merchant tells his story as he wanders about the land selling his ware to all sorts of people.More than a love story,it is Mussallam's odyssey to self- knowledge and assertiveness.
Bethlehem,Monday 07 August 20:00,Millenium Stage -Manger Square
 

Concert:Awj -Palestine

Awj,the choir of the National Conservatory of Music,consists of welve singers accompanied by six instrumentalists,under the direction of Khaled Jubran,head of he Oriental Music and Theory departments of he conservatory.The choir made its debut at the Tombs of the Kings as part of the Jerusalem Festival for Arabic Music 1999."Awj" choir specializes in performing classical Arabic music."Awj"is unique in its voice merging qualities, that tint the old sounding tradition with a new light.
The sounds that are heard from these young people's voices cannot fail to touch our hearts,and give a new meaning to he concept of "classics". Jerusalem,Thursday 10 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Issa Hassan -Lebanon

Of Kurdish origin,brought up in Lebanon,and now based in Paris,Issa Hassan is a virtuosic and versatile exponent of the buzuq,a long-necked lute. Learning first from his father's recordings of his guests'singing at all-night parties,hen from his own travels and collaborations with musicians from around the world,Issa has become a master of his instrument and an expert on its repertoire.He brings new life,dynamism and humor to the music of different regions of Kurdistan,along with a great respect for authenticity and the classical tradition. Issa will be accompanied by multi-talented Palestinian percussionist Yussef Hbeish,a teacher at he National Conservatory of Music. Jerusalem,Friday 11 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Burhan Ocal and the Istanbul Oriental Ensemble –Turkey

The Istanbul Oriental Ensemble transport their audience to the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, an opulent world of sultans and courtesans,jewels and spices,dancing and pleasure.Led by Burhan Ocal,virtuosic percussionist,singer and string player who has done much to bring his country's musical heritage to he forefront of the World Music scene,the musicians'joy in what they do is evident and infectious.The repertoire of this charismatic ensemble ranges from he songs of he Romany gypsies and Gand Balkan-influenced pieces to classical Turkish genres.The instruments they play,including tanbur,saz,clarinet,zurna,ud, violin,qanun and percussion,reflect this lively mixture .
Jerusalem,Saturday 12 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Najma Akhtar -UK

Born and brought up in Britain,Indian singer Najma Akhtar has been one of he leading figures on the European "World Music"scene since the late 1980s."Qareeb"(Closeness),the first of her five chart-topping albums,was released in 1987.She has also been a catwalk model and acted in theatre and television,starring last year in a UK-produced Urdu TV serial which also incorporated music from her albums.Najma's beautiful and powerful voice will be accompanied by Inderjit Kalyana,tabla, Peter David Zeldman,drums,Ray Carless, saxophone,John Deemer,bass guitar,and Janette Mason,keyboards.
Jerusalem,Sunday 13 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Inas Massalha -Palestine

Born in Dabouria,a small village near Nazareth, Inas Massalha is now studying voice and music education at the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem. Although her studies are based on Western classical song and opera,Inas is dedicated to he discovery and performance of Arabic music.She is accompanied by Bashir al Asadi (violin),Samir Makhul (oud),and Ramzi Bisharat (percussion). Inas has a pure,ethereal voice ideally suited to Arabic tarab music.She presents a program of songs by Laila Murad,Asmahan,and Um Kulthum, specially prepared for the Jerusalem Festival. Jerusalem,Monday 14 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Khaled Jubran -Palestine Mazamir

Khaled Jubran,from Rameh in Upper Galilee,is one of Palestine's foremost string players.He teaches buzuq and oud at the National Conservatory of Music,where he is head of he Oriental Music and Theory departments.His large and loyal local audience is a tribute to his talent.In this recital he will be accompanied by Ahmad al Khatib (cello),Rudi Felder (double bass)and Ramzi Bisharat (percussion).
Jerusalem,Tuesday 15 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Ibn 'Arabi Ensemble -Morocco

The Tangir-based Ibn 'Arabi Ensemble is named after Muhyi ad-Din Ibn al 'Arabi (1155 -1240), known as "The Greatest Master".A Sufi philosopher,poet and scholar,he traveled across the Arab world,and his writings are a synthesis of his own thoughts and visions with the wisdom of the many great thinkers he met and studied. Likewise,the members of the ensemble aim o safeguard and transmit the Sufi spirit by their mastery of musical traditions stretching from Andalucia,across the Maghreb to the Middle East. They are Ahmed El Kheligh on qanun,Abdelwahid Senhaji on nay,Mohammed Acharki on bendir,and munchid (vocalist)Mohammed Ousama Jebari.
Jerusalem,Wednesday 16 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Said Chraibi -Morocco

Born in Marrakesh in 1951,Said Chraibi grew up in an environment rich in Arabic culture and art, and began to study oud at the age of thirteen.He soon developed a keen interest in studying and exploring different interpretations of traditional Arabic music,and is now a renowned musicologist as well as a distinguished performer of Near and Middle Eastern,Mediterranean and North African music.Over he last two decades he has composed for and played with several leading singers,formed his own award-winning orchestra,promoted the study and performance of Moroccan music as the Ambassador of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture, and made numerous concert and festival appearances around the world.He will be accompanied by percussionist Abdalghani Khotba.
Jerusalem,Thursday 17 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:The Lena &Jonken Quintet -Sweden

Lena Jansson is one of he best jazz singers in Sweden.She is described by the Swedish press as "the queen of ballads",with a voice "direct,in tune and unbelievably beautiful".Lennart "Jonken" Jonsson adds the comments of his poetic enor saxophone to her singing;heir intimate musical communication has been compared to that between Billie Holiday and Lester Young.Daniel Nolgördon piano,Peter Frykholm on double bass,and John Brodin on drums complete the quintet.
Jerusalem,Friday 18 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.
 

Concert:Karloma -Palestine

Karloma is a new ensemble of five multi-talented musicians from different musical and cultural backgrounds.Their debut in Ramallah in June this year was sold out,and they are already preparing their first recording.The ensemble members are: Ahmad Al Khatib -oud,Heather MacDonald -flute, Fadia Al Khatib -voice,Rudi Felder -double bass, Youssef Zayed and Youssef Hbeish -percussion. The name Karloma refers o the calligrapher's draft, on which he practices and experiments with new ideas before embarking on his "neat copy". Sometimes this draft can be more beautiful and creative than the final piece of work …Karloma's aim is to explore ways in which influences from the West can be incorporated into traditional Oriental music,enriching it without destroying its essential characteristics.
Jerusalem,Saturday 19 August 20:00,Tomb of The Kings,Salah Eddin St.