ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER: Yasmina Ramzy
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Bassam Bishara
PERCUSSION DIRECTOR: Suleiman Warwar
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS: Ferda Bayazir (Turkey), Sashar Zarif (Azerbaijan)
And the team of many great dancers and musicians
DATE: February 9-12, 2012
VENUE: Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto
TICKETS: $30-$45, 416.973.4000, Harbourfront Centre Box Office
INFO: 416.920.5593, www.ArabesqueDance.ca/
JAMRA – A force of spirit is Arabesque’s newest creation. JAMRA is an Arabic word meaning “embers”, the heat at the source of a fire. This is the theme of JAMRA which will run for six performances at the Fleck Dance Theatre, February 9-12, 2012 as part of the Harbourfront NextSteps Series.
The magic Arabesque creates is unique and evocative. Its one-of-a-kind artistic vision is the result of the collaboration between choreographer Yasmina Ramzy and composer Bassam Bishara. The ensemble of 17 dance artists and 11 musicians and vocalists draw their inspiration from millennia of rich Arab art, poetry, dance and music. The company has toured internationally with eight major productions under its belt since 1996 receiving rave reviews for its innovative and original music and dance creations.
The last 4 productions of ASALA, EGYPT, OUM, and NOOR have been focused on lofty, altruistic themes by delving into 1000 year old spiritual love poetry and the music of Oum Kalthoum. The newest production is a complete 180 degree turn for Arabesque. In JAMRA the raw vocals, hypnotic rhythms with pounding feet and hips conspire to draw audiences into the intense source of a fire. A force of spirit and unfettered raw abandon is the theme of JAMRA drawing on the Ghawazi (gypsy) of Upper Egypt, the Turkish Rom and Iranian Bandari styles of movement and music.
Music director, composer, vocalist and oudist Bassam Bishara is a celebrated master throughout North America and the Middle East. Artistic director, choreographer and dance artist Yasmina Ramzy is well known as a pioneer of presenting authentic Middle Eastern dance in theatrical and interpretive expressions. Her 30 year career has taken her to 60 cities on five continents to teach, perform and lecture. “I am very excited about the new approach Arabesque takes in JAMRA” says Ramzy.
Choreographers Ferda Bayazit (Turkey) and Sashar Zarif (Canada/Iran/Azerbaijian) have worked closely with Arabesque to bring colour and vibrancy from Turkey and Iran to the new production. In Egypt, Yasmina has been studying intensely with Khairiiyya Mazen, the last remaining practicing Ghawazi dancer who performs the original Bellydance before it was Westernized for tourists and the movie industry. Finally, the Arabesque ensemble of master musicians including percussion director Suleiman Warwar, some of Canada’s most respected solo Mid East dance artists, costume creator Deborah Shaw and lighting designer Arun Srinivasan will bring these collaborations to life.
About Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra:
Formed in 1992, Arabesque, formerly known as Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra (ADCO) is Canada’s leading Middle Eastern dance and music ensemble. The Company has thrilled audiences internationally with eight major productions featuring 14 styles of classical and folkloric Middle Eastern dance led by artistic director Yasmina Ramzy and musical director Bassam Bishara. The recipient of numerous merits for artistic excellence including the Canadian Arab Federation’s Community Contribution Award and grants from the Canadian Council for Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council, Arabesque has performed alongside such artists as Alabina, the National Ballet of Canada, Bijan Mortazavi, Amr Diab, The Rolling Stones, Rageb Alema and Ben Harper.