The Arabian Dance Theater Company are launching a new show in October 2011 in London titled, “Under the Sun.”
Based on a real character, “Under The Sun” is a modern story about a Bedouin girl who challenges her traditions and follows her dream to become a dancer in Cairo. It explores traditional and contemporary culture in modern Egypt.
The show presents a synergy of Arabic folk movement with contemporary dance, incorporating a wide variety of Egyptian dance styles, emphasizing the colorful costumes, energetic routines and uplifting music associated with Arabic culture.
Tara Oakley, the show’s producer, and Shafeek Ibrahim, the director, travelled especially to South Sinai in Egypt to study the life and culture of the Bedouins. They spent every day with local families; learning their traditional forms of dance, attending weddings, meeting a medicine man and tribal leaders.
They discovered how life was changing for the younger Bedouins and how modern day life brought many contradictions for their culture. “Under the Sun” is inspired by an 18-year-old Bedouin girl they lived with in Dahab called Aisha, who was adamant to follow her dreams even if it meant being the talk of the tribe and being excluded from her family.
Every day she was determined to be her own person by challenging people’s opinions and judgments to follow her dreams. This is still a difficult achievement for many female Bedouins, said Ibrahim.
She is proud to be Bedouin, but constantly made challenges to her culture; wanting to study, work, learn English, meet foreigners, wear trousers and even carry a handbag. She is a strong and truly inspirational woman, added Oakley.
“Under The Sun” is a story we can all relate to, it’s about going beyond our borders, self discovery and determination.
The Arabian Dance Theater was formed in 2008; their purpose is to bring Arabic dance and music into the forefront. Arabian Dance Theater is working hard to preserve and represent traditional and modern Arabic dance forms. Their main goal is to produce shows, which create positive awareness of Arabic art, culture and society.
Showing in London on Oct. 14-15, 8-10 pm. Jacksons Lane Arts Center, Highgate, N6 5AA. Box office: 020 8341 4421;www.jacksonslane.org.uk.
Showing in Leeds, Nov. 11, 8-10 pm. Seven Arts Centre, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PD. Box office: 011 3262 6777; www.sevenleeds.co.uk
