Al Pheniq

Bringing their instruments (oud and riq) on their backs all the way from Gaza, they are both ready to connect with new communities through music and dance, to connect with the people who have been fighting for an end to the genocide in Palestine.

During a time of struggle and grief, during a time of collective and consistent action for justice - music and dance are forms of resistance. Resistance in these forms allows us to experience joy with the people that are active in the same fight of disrupting injustice systems that seek to divide us. Joyful defiance. Joyful resilience. 

In sharing Palestinian songs, dance and stories, we keep our culture alive and push back against the attempts of erasure. This event is intended to recharge and to appreciate the communities that have been advocating for Palestine endlessly over the last 9 months. It is them and only them, with whom we can share our music, dance and food, not those who have stayed silent with no action to support the people behind the culture. 

Their cousin Feras Shaheen has curated this event and will be guiding you through the history, stories, and guest acts of the night. See more of Feras's work on his website.

EVENT DETAILS

Date & Time: 17 August 2024, 6:30-10pm

Location: RS1, Bankstown Arts Centre

Seraj and Majdi performing, photo by Jane Wade

Feras Shaheen was a part of ALWAYS: Call & Response residency in which Palestinian and local First Nations artists came together to engage in truth-telling about dispossession and colonial violence. Following the residency, each artist was supported by Utp to realise a self-led project.

ALWAYS: Call and Response is a part of a suite of year-long programs supporting First Nations-led experimental art. Utp’s 2024 provocation First and Last affirms our strong commitment to First Nations Peoples having the first and last word, now and into the future.

PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.