A major ten day event running 02-11 July 2010, LAAF bursts with activities spanning the visual arts, literature, dance, film, food and music. As ever, chances to participate in the festival abound.
Family Day 2009 – Photo by Robert Cook
There’s a unique chance to catch two hugely popular singers making rare UK appearances. Egyptian superstar Mohamed Mounir brings his pop-oriented blend of traditional Nubian and African reggae music to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Mounir will also personally introduce a special screening of Yousef Chahine’s acclaimed film Destiny, in which he also stars.
It’s unusual for an Iraqi band to make its way to these shores, let alone one fronted by a female singer but Farida is in another league. She will deliver another of her world renowned renditions of the classical Maqam, an ancient art form traditionally sung by men accompanied by her ensemble players.
The centrepiece of the Festival is the Family Day taking place throughout the Bluecoat building and gardens. This is a multi art form event featuring live music, dance, storytelling, workshops, stalls and food for Arab and non Arab audiences of all ages. It’s free and open to all.
In the field of visual arts, highly regarded London-based curator Rose Issa has devised Arabicity especially for LAAF2010. This promises to be a thought-provoking and eye-popping exhibition which introduces six contemporary Arab artists working in film, photography, painting and stencil.
Among an intriguing selection of feature films screening throughout the festival is Palestinian animation Fatenah which documents the life of a 28-year-old Gazan woman diagnosed with breast cancer. This inspiring work, based on a true story, won the Noor Award for Best Short Fiction at the 2009 Arab Film Festival.
Other highlights include a reading by Lebanese poet Hyam Yared. She rose to prominence as a member of the Beirut39, a literary award formed by the Hay Festival last year to celebrate the most exciting group of young Arab writers under 39 years of age.
There’s plenty more to get stuck into including Tunisian choreographer Radhouane who blends cooking and dance in a performance inspired by watching his mother prepare couscous for funerals, marriages and births.
Earlier this year LAAF was recognised by the Arab British Centre which honoured it with the Arab British Culture & Society Award 2010 for an outstanding contribution to the British public’s knowledge and understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people.
Taher Qassim MBE, Chair of Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival, said:
“The line up for the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival is testimony to the diversity and freshness of Arabic culture with something for everybody in the selection of events and activities on offer. It also provides a valuable contribution to the 2010 Year of Health and Wellbeing celebrated by Liverpool City. LAAF joins with the city in promoting positive life changes by connecting through, learning from, joining together and sharing with each other.”
Festival Manager Ngozi Ikoku said:
“We are delighted to unveil the full programme for LAAF 2010 which we believe maintains and enhances the festival’s stature as the nation’s most significant celebration of Arabic culture.”
Festival and ticket information:
www.arabicartsfestival.co.uk or call 0151 702 5324
