Ramadan Night

A magical evening to mark the start of #Ramadan. Come to experience the atmosphere as Rich Mix venue is gently lit by candles and Arabic lanterns and we are lost in a world of story-telling, comedy, poetry and rich musical traditions. Expect songs and sounds that reach back in time through Arabic history. An ensemble, led by,Saied Silbak, explores the mosaic of Arab Maqamat (modes), Muwashahat (songs set to the text of classical Arabic poetry from medieval Andalusia) and Qudud (folk songs originating from Aleppo, Syria) Host: Nabil Abdulrashid (Comedian) Nabil is arguably one of, if not the most dynamic original and creative young talents of his generation, within two years of performing he had written for his own TV show as well as starred in it and set comedy clubs a blaze across the country with his energetic take no prisoners style and rapier wit. Line up Watan Trio: We are very excited to welcome "Watan Trio" classic (muwashahat and maqamat) and popular Arabic music of the mid-20th century, the programme will include a selection of instrumental and vocal pieces from historically interconnected cultures in Palestine and from the wider Middle East. The Trio includes: - Saied Silbak / composer and master of the Oud - Elias Farsoon / a renowned singer and Kanoun player - Iba` Abu Khalaf / an established percussionist and singer - Guest, Mazen Abu Saif / accordions Zeina Amro Born in Nablus, Palestine in 1988, she completed her BA in Psychology at Earlham College, and her MSc in Political Psychology at Queen’s University of Belfast. Her musical involvement started as a child in choirs at the national music conservatory, and continued to be participate in choirs in her undergraduate studies. She is currently in London as PhD candidate in Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine at King’s College London (KCL). Maya Khaldi Born in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1987, has a BA in professional music (Vocal Performance and Music Education) from Berklee College of Music. After obtaining her BA Maya returned to Palestine where taught at the Edward Sa'ed National Conservatory of Music, Palestine as an outreach choir and theory teacher. Khaldi is now Doing her Master's degree in Music Leadership at guildhall School of Music and Drama. Nevermind the above, most importantly, Maya and Zeina are singers in Istiwanat acappella group, where they enjoy jamming, giggling and making music together with their fellow singers . Storytellers - Alia Alzougbi Alia is an award-winning, dynamic storyteller with a breadth of tales from around the world. Having grown up around the Middle East (Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan), and coming from a Muslim cultural background, she specialises in stories from the Islamic and Middle Eastern traditions. Her bi-lingual English/Arabic education means that she can extract stories written in Arabic and confidently translate and rework them for an English-speaking audience. Alia has been involved in teaching in schools for many years, and has developed CPDs, schools workshops and resources using storytelling around improving literacy through oracy. She is also currently developing a CPD and resource for the Historical Association around storytelling for the new national curriculum. In 2011, she was awarded the Best Storyteller award by the Fringe Report. Prior to that she had been nominated for a BAFTA Scotland in the category of Best Performance in Film. A confident performer who has appeared on BBC Arabic Radio and Television, Alia is also a strong facilitator who is among the core teaching staff at the British Museum. “Karagoz and Hacivat” Traditional Ottman Shadow Theatre: A family entertainment tradition, which was once part of social life during the month of Ramadan and on special occasions that bring together families, friends and neighbors. Chloe Purcell's Puppet Theatre featuring Dila Vardar. NB: We will be taking an iftar break to break the fast. There will be amazing palestinian madjoul dates provided courtesy of Zaytoun to break the fast, in addition to food and dessert available for purchase on the night (food and dessert are not included in the ticket price, cash only). ملاحظة: سيكون هناك فاصل في موعد الافطار، وستتكرم شركة زيتون بتقديم تمور المجول الفلسطينية ، الى جانب إمكانية شراء المأكولات والحلويات (سعر التذكرة لا يشمل المأكولات والحلويات، نقدا فقط).