SADLER'S WELLS, BARBICAN AND YOUNG VIC TO HOST ARAB FESTIVAL
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London Theatre Direct
The first ever pan-London festival of contemporary Arab culture will take place in London from 4-24 of July this year. The festival is named "Shubbak" and the cross art form event will feature organisations from the sectors of dance, theatre, literature, architecture, film, visual arts and music. Sadler's Wells, The Barbican Centre and the Young Vic are among the many venues taking part.
There will be so much happening around London during the festivals three week period including Leading Arab Dancers performing for two days at the Sadler's Wells Theatre. A number of Arabic concerts being staged at the Barbican Centre including one be El Tanbura.
The Young Vic will host a Palestinian take on "In the Penal Colony" by Franz Kafka, the London International Festival of Theatre will present a number of Arabic productions and the Digital Theatre will present the UK premiere of the filmed version of You…Me…The Human… from the National Theatre of Qatar.
Overall Shubbak will feature over 70 events organised by the Mayor Of London and sponsored by HSBC.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “London is a global city in which Arab culture has played a significant part over the centuries – the word ‘Trafalgar’ even originates from the Arabic language. This festival is a unique chance for Londoners to glimpse the breadth and excellence of contemporary Arab culture and its influence on London’s cultural scene today. At a time of remarkable political and social change, Shubbak marks an exciting moment between artists in the capital and across the Arab world. I have no doubt that it will stimulate, delight and surprise audiences.”
With two years in the planning and so much to see, Shubbak is sure to be an interesting new addition to London's Summer Festival programme.