Saturday 7 – Sunday 16 June 2013
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival – Different Faces
In 2013, Liverpool Arab Arts Festival focused on the question of identity, most notably on the understanding of Arab identity and global culture. Using the idea of Arab ‘Faces’ and the stories behind each of those, the festival programme sought to explore how Arab arts and culture could help transform the understanding of Arab identity worldwide.
The programme included Lights on Syria, starting with Damascus Stories, a stage adaptaion of arad-winning Syrian author Ilfat Idlibi, and concluding the festival with the magical singer Lena Chamamyan in a grand finale concert at St George’s Hall.
Music also came from Katibe 5 at the Epstein Theatre, and Arabic Music at the River Festival, featuring some of the offerings from Libyan music, Lebanese and Palestinian hip hop and Egyptian dance featured in the annual programme.
Talks and debates reflected on Arab music and its complexity, a graffiti workshop exploring the artform in Lebanon and a dance workshop with Nacera Belaza.
The Family Day and Big Saturday welcomed musicians, dance and family focused events.