Palestinian artists trapped in Gaza are to be represented by Irish dancers during Culture Night. The unique dance collaboration, “Dancing with Strangers: From Palestine to Ireland”, will see four dancers step into the roles of Maryam, Khaled, Agour and Just, whose last names aren’t disclosed due to safety concerns.
The dancers will be performing at the Wood Quay Amphitheatre, taking part in Seisiún Palaistíneach, an event featuring a fusion concert of Irish and Palestinian traditional music. Audiences can expect performances from musical talents such as Dr Abdullah Al Bayyari and Irish Trad group Faró, as well as opportunities to learn the Dabkeh, Palestine’s traditional dance.
The artistic unity between Dublin and Gaza sees Palestinian artists creating duets remotely with acclaimed dancer and instructor Rita Marcalo, who serves as the director for Instant Dissidence dance company. The roles of the Palestinian dancers in these duets will be portrayed by members from the Irish dance community, serving as “body avatars”.
Maryam expressed her belief that the dance project symbolised a glimmer of hope and a goal for those passionate about liberating their homeland. She explains that her involvement in this creative endeavour was spurred by a love for her cause and her dedication to give it a louder voice. For Maryam, art, including dance, serves as a form of resistance, delivering powerful messages calling for liberation, challenging occupation and advocating for equal living rights for her Palestinian counterparts.
Khaled expressed his belief that through experiencing other people’s distress, in even the smallest amount, via body avatars in Ireland, it would prompt greater unity because it would physically impact them. They would remember the individual with whom they shared a dance, and the voice they listened to. He underscored the significance of this project and his ambition for its global expansion.
A forthcoming venture named City Sounds, backed by Dublin City Council, will accentuate Ireland’s burgeoning soundsystem culture starting at 9pm this Friday. This initiative will convert various Dublin streets into al fresco dance venues.
City Sounds will also present a Brazilian version, converting Central Plaza on Dame Street into a Brazilian oasis with beginner courses in Brazilian forró dance. The event will also feature performances by Dublin’s esteemed samba group, 353 Samba Club, famous for their thrilling rhythms and captivating performances.
The Wood Quay Amphitheatre will host another unique cultural night, paying tribute to Mongolian culture with performances of traditional Mongolian throat singing, dance, and Mongolia-specific music. Additionally, a bilingual cabaret show will highlight the Irish language.
Culture Night in Dublin promises more than 300 events, and over 1,000 events nationwide.