Ramallah based “Wishah Popular Dance Troupe” will present its celebrated performance ”Raqs” in Abu Dhabi in line with the celebrations of Al Quds Capital of Arab Culture 2009 on 17th April 2009 at the National Theatre.
Performance is hosted by both the Palestinian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation “ADMAF” in affiliation with the UAE ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
“It is of vital importance to use this opportunity to shed more light on the holy city and the crimes being undertaken against it. We have the obligation of emphasizing its Arabic roots not to mention the atrocities and oppression being practiced against its identity and its people.” Said H.E. Khairi Al Oraidi, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UAE.
“As a Palestinian community in the UAE, we believe we have an to add to our obligations introducing our Palestinian culture to the local community in the UAE. We know that we have rich, matured and variable cultural and artistic initiatives that need to be presented to the world.” He added. “Through similar activities, we send a message that despite we are under occupation and different pressures, yet we have great talents which are capable of astonishing the world and represent a great image about our home.”
“This is our premiere in the UAE,” said Mohammad Ata, the Troupe’s Director and Founder. “We are so proud to be part of these celebrations and to perform in Abu Dhabi, a city that is increasingly becoming a worldwide destination for arts and culture”.
“We are sincerely thankful to our hosts the Palestinian Embassy in the UAE, ADMAF and the UAE ministry of Culture, Youth and Community development to bestow this great chance on us.”
"Wishah Popular Dance Troupe” was established in 2003 by a group of volunteers who believe in arts as an effective communication tool. It presents emotionally moving shows which are based on the artistic inheritance of music and songs from both Arab and Palestinian roots. Through its work, the group aims to contribute to Palestinian cultural life, and strives to preserve it from marginalization attempts, as well as to contribute to the advancement of Palestinian popular dancing.
Troupe is managed by a director’s committee of seven members, and has twenty-four current members volunteering as singers and dancers.
“Raqs” is a musical inspired by Arabic heritage. It incorporates melodies and songs carefully chosen from different Arab regions, and consolidates them into an integrated framework carrying an Arabic spirit of many manifestations. It is an artistic and cultural piece that penetrates artificial political boundaries among the regions of the Arab World. “Raqs” was attended by more than 30 thousand audience through 45 performances around the world.
