The Dabke and Tatreez ensemble were the first ever Palestinian music performance at the Sydney Opera House on 6 July last year, and they will be performing at the Bangalow A&I Hall on Saturday, 5 September at 6.30pm.
‘This is a performance project which works to protect and promote the music, culture and traditions of the people of Palestine,’ said a spokesperson for Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine (NRFP) who are presenting the show.
‘Between them, the musicians are from Palestinian, Syrian, Turkish, Lebanese, Indonesian and Turkish/Cypriot heritage. Dabke translates as the “stamping of the feet”. The linked arms and heavy stomping represent solidarity, community strength, and resistance.
‘Tatreez is the cultural practice of embroidery to decorate thobe (or dress) with symbols of history, memory, and place, telling the tale of the maker’s life and connection to the land.’
Ayşa Göknur Shanal, the group’s convenor and lead vocalist, says that, ‘music is one of the most important mediums in expressing culture and identity. We are witnessing the destruction of so many mosques and churches and art and historical artefacts in Palestine and now Lebanon – it’s the loss of history and culture. Our aim is to protect and preserve culture and heritage as a contrast to their destruction and erasure.’
Food will be provided by NRFP with funds raised going to the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association, which provides medical aid and assistance to Gaza. Book your tickets at: trybooking.com/events/landing/1625452.
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