A Journey to Jerusalem is a dance production project, inspired by the famous children’s game of Musical Chairs, also known as “Trip to Jerusalem”. The game (Musical Chairs) is of course a metaphor for conflict over space and the right to own and remain in it. Not only does it represent the struggle to remain and ultimately win it presents to the audience a repetitive shift in power, a cycle of uncertainty and conflict, in which only one person can triumph.
This dance piece uses these metaphors to present and explore the Palestinian experience of conflict over space and the right to remain. we aim to communicate the impact of the Palestinian conflict on the person through our movements. We also touch on the impact of conflict on how people move by looking at the similarities and differences in Palestinian folk dance in different areas experiencing varying forms of warfare and struggle.
Stereo 48 is a Palestinian dance group founded by four break-dancers from the city of Nablus. Its members strive to strategically introduce contemporary dance to a rather conservative society by merging it with the traditional dance of Dabkeh.
As the founders of this rising dance group continue to excel, they pave their way, not only to local, but also international theaters such as the Royal Flemish Theater in collaboration with the Belgian les ballets C de la B Company, and Yaa Samar! Dance Theater located in Brooklyn New York. Stereo 48 also collaborates with multiple international dance companies such as the NGC25 contemporary dance company located in Nantes France, the Constanza Macras / Dorkypark Dance Company in Germany, and the Siljeholm-Christophersen Contemporary Dance Directory in Norway.
Through representing Palestine in multiple international forums, Stereo 48 spreads traditional Palestinian heritage, incorporating signature Dabkeh moves into their dance routines and offering Dabkeh classes to their international counterparts. In order to fulfil and serve their mission, Stereo 48 continually organizes local dance competitions encouraging the youth to take part in the inspiring hip-hop culture, conveying the message of the Palestinian people, and creating a stress-free, safe environment for the youth to express their feelings and dreams.
More information on Stereo 48 website.
Première: July 8 2021 at Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival
Save the date ! Thursday, September 22 2022 at CCNR dance studio as part of CRÉATIVE – place à la jeune création !
Concept and choreography: Amir Sabra
Choreography assistant: Hamza Damra
Dancers and creators: Nowwar Salem, Hoba Hmidan, Maria Dally, Ahmed Kullab, Yousef Sbaih, Maha Awwad, Rima Baransi, Hamza Damra, Abdallah Damra
Music composer: Denheim
Music editor: Rafiq Hamawi
Light design: Mua’z Ju’beh
Production: Abdallah Damra
In collaboration with The Palestinian Circus School
Funded by: Arab funds for arts and culture, A.M. Qattan Foundation, The French institute in Jerusalem, The Spanish Consulate
In partnership with: Dyptik dance co., Goethe Institute in Ramallah, HipHop Flow, CCN Lyon, The Freedom Theater.
Photo © Alaa Ali Abdallah Regash