The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast | Powered by afikra

Navigating the intersection of institutional power, identity, and postcolonial discourse, artist and choreographer Youness Atbane examines how contemporary art spaces shape cultural narrative. Through performance works like Untitled 14 km and Waterproofed Artists, Atbane interrogates the elitism of the global art world while drawing on his roots in Moroccan pottery traditions and choreography to move beyond the limitations of spoken language. Blending speculative fiction with subtle humor, the discussion explores the Andalusian legacy, the politics of curation, and the true cost of artistic freedom.

00:00 Introduction  
02:30 Body Form and Translating Clay  
08:33 Movement as a Universal Language  
10:47 Urban Emergencies  
15:50 Giving Form to the Unknown  
17:33 Waterproofed Artists and Speculative Futures  
20:41 Postcolonial Limits and Elitism  
25:25 Navigating the Global Art Market  
28:53 Audience Expectations in Berlin and Casablanca  
31:45 Text Language and Humor in Performance  
36:00 Untitled 14 km and Andalusian Legacy  
37:44 The Imaginary Museum  
44:00 Deconstructing the Star Curator  
47:03 Rereading Golden Age Poetry

Youness Atbane is born in 1982 and currently lives and works between Casablanca and Berlin. His artistic practice is based on a critical relationship to the fields of art, its actors and its geopolitics. He began to follow different programs and gained artistic experiences in the fields of performance and visual art in France, Morocco, Belgium, and Spain. In 2008, he took part in the Master performing art program EX E.R.CE08 at the CCN of Montpelier. In 2010, he graduated with a master in Art, Literature and Museology from the University of Nice. His practice consists of three areas: live performance as a space of reflection, installation making as an outcome of the performance act and photography and drawing as an archive. All three areas are interconnected and interdependent. He has exhibited his installations and performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, the parallel project in the Venice Biennale in 2011, Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art Mohammed VI in Rabat, the Ostrale Biennale in Dresden, Headlands Center for the Arts in San Francisco, MassMOCA in Massachusetts, the British Museum, and MUCEM in Marseille. He received the ZKB Acknowledgement Prize in 2018.

Connect with Youness Atbane 👉 https://www.instagram.com/atbane_youness/

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

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afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
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Master djembe player and composer, Yahael Camara Onono, discusses his musical journey and his mission to elevate West African percussion. Growing up in London, the djembe served as an umbilical cord to his Manding heritage, allowing him to blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences like grime and hip-hop. He founded the Balimaya Project in 2019 to challenge the pigeonholing of African music and to demonstrate that percussion can serve as a complex, leading melodic force rather than just an add-on. His work delves into personal and vulnerable themes, such as grieving for his late son through music, while also celebrating innovative collaborations with virtuosos like Egyptian oud player Abakary Kadry. For Onono, the djembe is a glue that brings people together, serving as a powerful symbol of identity and black pride.

02:18 The Physical and Symbolic Essence of the Djembe

04:36 An Umbilical Cord to Heritage

07:22 Growing Up in the London Soundscape

10:52 Bridging Traditional Roots and Global Fusion

14:00 Reclaiming the Big Band Spirit

17:32 The Intricate Language of Percussion

20:00 Challenging the Pigeonholing of Art

23:55 Cultivating a New Mentality

28:13 Bridging Community and Education through Residence

33:28 Processing Grief and Vulnerability in the Studio

38:25 Full Circle: Intentional Creation in the UAE

47:20 The First Meeting: Unrehearsed Dialogue

52:31 Tracing Ancient Links Across Borders

Connect with Yahael Camara Onono 👉 https://instagram.com/yahaelco

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
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Music serves as a vital sanctuary and a form of spiritual recovery in a world frequently defined by violence, injustice, and fatigue. Flautist, vocalist & composer Naïssam Jalal shares her profound reflections on a career shaped by the search for belonging and the transformative power of sound. Growing up in Paris as the daughter of immigrants, she recounts facing persistent racism and discrimination, which eventually spurred a deep need to reconnect with her roots and understand her identity. She offers a nuanced look at her artistic evolution, from early Western classical training to her discovery of improvisation as a way to express the inexpressible. She reflects on her formative years in Cairo, describing the challenges of navigating society as a solo female musician and the immense generosity of mentors like violin legend Abdo Dagher.

0:00 Introduction

1:46 Growing up between Cultures

3:54 The Discovery of Improvisation

6:41 A Search for Roots in Damascus and Cairo

9:00 Learnings from the Legends of Egypt

11:44 Early Collaborations at the Cairo Opera House

17:42 Returning to Paris and Processing Hardship

21:04 Navigating Art through Conflict and War

23:32 The Birth of Rhythms of Resistance

29:23 Music as a Political Witness

31:01 Capturing the Scream of the Earth

36:54 Exploring Hindustani Classical Traditions

44:00 Seeking Shelter and Recovery through Sound

51:44 Reflections on a Burning World

Naïssam Jalal is an acclaimed French-Syrian flautist, vocalist, and composer. Born in Paris to Syrian parents, she is celebrated for her genre-defying music that blends jazz, Western chamber music, and classical Arabic sounds. Her highly spiritual, cosmopolitan work has earned her prestigious awards like the Victoires du Jazz.

Connect with Naïssam Jalal 👉 https://instagram.com/naissamjalal

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
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🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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Playwright and director Ahmed El Attar explores the evolution of the Egyptian independent theater movement, tracing its roots from the 1990s counterculture to its role as a precursor for social change. He discusses the crisis of state-run institutions in the Arab world, marked by bureaucracy, censorship, and a disconnect from contemporary audiences. Through his own work, such as "The Discrete Charm of the Pillars of Society", El Attar examines the universal power structures of the family and challenges notions of Western superiority by revealing shared human greed and prejudice.

0:00 Introduction

1:56 Theater Education and Training in Egypt

4:01 Egypt's Unique Theater Scene and Audience

5:17 The Regional Crisis in Theater and Formal Training

7:16 Diagnosing the Crisis: Red Tape and Lack of Funding

9:53 The Vital Importance of Live Performance

11:52 Theater vs. Film & TV

12:51 History of Egypt’s 1990s Independent Theater Scene

14:52 The State Sector: Programming, Payroll, and Bureaucracy

17:40 Decline of State Theater and the Rise of Visionary Adaptations

20:18 Counterculture Pushback Against Archaic Institutions

22:20 Genesis of the Temple Independent Theater Company

24:11 University Facilities and Real-World Technical Experience

27:40 The Life Cycle of Independent Movements and Social Change

30:46 Focusing on the Family Power Structure

32:51 The Artistic Evolution of Subtext and Early Plays

36:21 Identifying and Reaching the Egyptian Audience

38:55 Must-Watch Arab Theater Makers and Playwrights

42:07 The Rise of Contemporary Dance in the Arab World

43:01 Theater's Ephemeral Nature vs. Digital Recording

44:47 Genesis of "The Discreet Charm of the Pillars of Society"

45:42 Challenging Notions of Western Civilizational Superiority

47:16 Shared Human Weakness: Greed, Prejudice, and Racism

50:12 Actor Training: Expanding Horizons and Embracing Humility

An award-winning Egyptian independent theatre director, translator, playwright and cultural manager. He is founder and General Manager of Studio Emad Eddin Foundation, an organization that offers rehearsals and training spaces to independent artists in the field of performing arts in Egypt. El Attar is also the founder and the artistic director of Orient Productions, the Temple Independent Theatre Company and D-CAF (Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival). He is also the artistic director of the Falaki theatre in Cairo. El Attar has a BA in Theatre from the American University in Cairo (1992) and an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle (2001).

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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Thomas Attar of Al-Qasar Band joins The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast ahead of their performance at the Tamaas Festival on January 29th. Attar strives to make music that reflects the complexity of modern, multicultural, and transnational identities. Growing up in Paris before moving to the US, he shares the origins of Al-Qasar, a collaborative project that was an intentional response to a "white rock scene" that felt disconnected from everyday life, aspiring to make music with a deeper connection to the human experience. He discusses the term "Arabian fuzz," which he uses to describe the band's sound. He credits his early musical influences, such as The Beach Boys and 70s Arab rock bands like those on the album Hard Rock from the Middle East, for training his ear to accept later Arab sounds. The conversation touches on the issue of the term "World Music" as a marketing term.

Al-Qasar is performing at The Arts Center as part of the Tamaas Festival on January 29. Get your tickets 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2026/january/tamaas-festival.html

0:00 Introduction: The Genesis of Al-Qasar: Revolutionary Poetry and Psych Rock

1:59 Early Musical Influences

4:24 Growing Up in Multicultural Paris

7:20 The Disconnect of the "White Rock Scene"

12:34 Making Revolutionary Music in a World of Social Ruptures

12:41 Al-Qasar's Collaborative and Global Sound

15:33 Defining "Arabian Fuzz"

17:21 The 70s Arab Psychedelic Rock Scene

21:09 Rejecting "World Music" and "Fusion" As Terms

24:06 Al-Qasar's Diverse Audience and Outreach

26:24 The Analog Production Approach

32:52 The Art of the Cover Song

36:09 Dream Collaborators

38:31 The Challenge of Making Revolutionary Music

41:26 Navigating Censorship and Self-Censorship for MENA Artists

44:14 Abu Dhabi Show Details

A French-American producer, Thomas has been involved in about 40 releases, performed on five continents, and composed for TV & film. His recent collaborations with Sudanese-American innovator Alsarah and Malian legends Cheick Tidiane Seck and Mamani Keita push the limits of the culture while being deeply embedded in groove and tradition. On BBC6, Iggy Pop called his song with Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) “Pretty bitching”. His involvement with North African artists Dina El Wedidi and Emel Mathlouthi is a testament to this very personal approach. In 2025/2026, Attar is adding his touch to the albums of two significant Mozambican artists, Stewart Sukuma and Selma Uamusse, both of whom he is recording and producing between Maputo and Lisbon. Among other projects, Thomas leads Arabian Fuzz psych rock outfit Al-Qasar (Glitterbeat/Wewantsounds), an explosive mix of North African trance music, heavy Middle Eastern grooves and Western psychedelia (the collective notably featured members of Tinariwen). Receiving high praise from the music press (BBC6, Uncut Magazine, Wire), Al-Qasar has toured North America, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with notable appearances at Sziget, Pukkelpop, Lowlands, WOMADs, Mawazine, Paléo, and TransMusicales. On the second of two Egypt tours, Thomas collaborated with musicians of the zar tradition, an ancient healing ritual achieved through hypnotic drumming and mystical trance. 

Connect with Thomas Attar 👉 https://instagram.com/thomasattar

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 

https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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In the lead up to her performance at Tamaas Festival on January 29, musician Yasmine Hamdan joins Mikey Muhanna on The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast to discuss her return to music after a significant hiatus. Yasmine, who's considered an icon of music for a generation of Arab listeners, explains that her time away was essential for reconnecting with her purpose, moving beyond career strategy, and focusing on the core of her art. She tells us about the emotional and political factors that contributed to her needing a break, including the theft of Lebanese people's money and the Beirut Port explosion. She addresses the current challenges in the music world, citing the "Spotifyification of music" and the burden of uncompensated, invisible work (like being your own an agent and promoter) that artists are now required to take on. She also shares her creative process for the new album "I remember I forget", which she feels speaks to the diaspora experience, and the vital role of trusted collaborators, whose feedback gave her the energy to finish the record. The discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining a comfortable relationship with oneself while creating, her "rock and roll" experience performing at Tiny Desk, and her excitement about performing for the diaspora in Abu Dhabi with scenography collaborators Elias and Yousef Anastas from Radio Alhara and Wonder Cabinet.

Yasmine Hamdan is performing at The Arts Center as part of the Tamaas Festival on January 29. Get your tickets 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2026/january/tamaas-festival.html

0:00 Introduction

2:05 Yasmine Hamdan's Comeback: Purpose Over Strategy

3:07 The Challenges of Today's Music World

4:44 The Invisible Work of Being an Artist Today

7:45 Emotional Reasons for Stepping Back

11:35 The Creative Process: Insecurities and Solitude

15:03 The Burden of Representation and Obsession

17:58 The Crucial Role of a Trusted Partner

20:37 Sharing Work: Fragility and Trust

23:23 Consistency and Finding Intention in Singing

26:54 Connecting With Audiences Beyond Language

29:20 The Universal Language of Music

31:09 The Tiny Desk Concert Experience

33:03 Performing for the Diaspora at Tamaas Festival

35:05 The Shift Away From Representation

39:32 Re-evaluating Needs and Finding Center

42:12 On Solitude, Scenes, and Being in the Margins

45:48 Future Collaborations and Artistic Languages

48:51 Excitement for Performing Live

Yasmine Hamdan first made waves in the music scene with the pioneering Beirut indie electronic duo Soapkills, which she co-founded with Zeid Hamdan in the late 1990s. Having moved to Paris in 2005, Yasmine collaborated with Madonna producer Mirwais for the Y.A.S. project, releasing the sleeky clubby Arabology album on Universal in 2009. Since then, she has earned international acclaim as a solo singer-songwriter and producer, elegantly entwining far-ranging elements, from pan-Arabic roots and pop and poetic lyrics, to electronica, soul and guitar melodies. Yasmine has collaborated with filmmakers such as Elia Suleiman, Jim Jarmusch, and has toured globally in support of her albums Ya Nass (2013) and Al Jamilat (2017). Her third album was released worldwide on Crammed Discs/ [PIAS].

Connect with Yasmine Hamdan 👉 https://instagram.com/yasminehamdan

Hosted by with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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The artistic director of "Dear Children, Sincerely," which was performed at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi joins us to talk about this powerful theater collaboration between Rwanda and Sri Lanka. Ruwanthie de Chickera shares the inspiration behind the project, its unique approach to intergenerational dialogue, and the profound impact of connecting with elders who witnessed pivotal historical shifts. Ruwanthie also shares personal anecdotes about growing up in civil war-torn Sri Lanka, the unexpected insights gained from interviewing the generation born in the 1930s, and the moving experience of bringing these stories to a diverse audience at NYU Abu Dhabi. Discover how personal histories intertwine with national narratives, revealing the complexities of post-colonial identity, the nuances of human relationships in shaping history, and the enduring power of hope and collective action.

The performance 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/september/dear-children-sincerely.html#tab-0-about

0:00 Introduction

1:32 The Artistic Director's Journey Into Theater

3:20 Sri Lanka's Tumultuous Yet Joyful Upbringing During the Civil War

10:12 The Vision: Interviewing Elders Born in the 1930s

11:10 The Significance of the "Independence Generation"

13:10 The Hopes and Realities of Post-Colonial Nation Building

14:51 Pushing Past Nostalgia: Self-Critical Reflections from Elders

18:27 The Structure of the "Dear Children, Sincerely" Project and Productions

20:11 The Emotional Impact of the Transcripts and Near Misses

22:34 History Made by Human Relations, Not Grand Scales

23:51 Nagalingam Edirisinghe's Story: Gold Medal Amidst Riots

29:20 The Hope of Youth in Rebuilding Nations

29:38 Sri Lanka's Lack of National Identity at Independence

30:57 Performing "Dear Children, Sincerely" at NYU Abu Dhabi

34:25 The Legacy of Harshana Rambukwella: A Dedication to Connection

40:03 Transitioning to an Elder: Advice for Younger Generations

41:37 Finding Hope in Global Challenges: The Sri Lankan Uprising

Ruwanthie de Chickera is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, theater director, actor trainer, and cultural activist. She is the founder and artistic director of Stages Theatre Group. She has written and directed over 30 original plays and two screen plays. The first play she wrote, at the age of 19, won her international recognition and pivoted her into Sri Lankan theater. Her first film, Machan, is recognized as a watershed moment in Sri Lankan cinema, having won several international and local awards and was screened in over 50 countries. 

Connect with  Ruwanthie de Chickera 👉 https://instagram.com/ruwanthiedechickeraofficial

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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In this episode of the NYUAD Arts Center podcast, we're joined by Widad Mjama, one-half of the musical group Aïta Mon Amour, in the lead-up to their performance at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi. The pioneering rapper from Morocco explores her musical experiences, her early exposure to various music genres in Morocco, and her eventual gravitation towards rap. Widad discusses the Moroccan rap scene and the significant impact of artists like Tupac on her life. The discussion delves into the origins and significance of Aïta, a traditional Moroccan music genre, and how Aïta Mon Amour celebrates and modernizes it. Widad sheds light on her collaboration with Khalil, their creative process, and the challenges of preserving tradition while introducing modern elements. 

00:00 Introduction 
00:55 Widad's Musical Journey
01:53 Discovering Rap and Other Music Influences
05:08 The Moroccan Rap Scene
08:09 Exploring Aïta Mon Amour
09:33 The Essence of Aïta Music
21:54 Creating Modern Aïta
40:04 Performing and Connecting With Audiences
43:32 Upcoming Tamaas Festival 

Widad Mjama is the first female rapper to appear on the Moroccan scene. In 1999, she and her group Thug Gang won the rap-hiphop category at the Tremplin des Jeunes Musiciens competition in Casablanca. In 2014, she co-created the group N3rdistan in France with Walid Ben Selim, drawing inspiration from classical Arabic poetry. For her project Aïta Mon Amour, developed with musician Khalid Epi, she conducted years of research with chikhates (or cheikhat)—women who preserve the Aïta tradition, a centuries-old poetic and musical art from the El Jadida-Safi region. The project blends traditional instruments like the mandole and loutar with electronic sounds, supported by the Shouka label. The project pays homage to the freedom and energy of the chikhates while anchoring itself in a multi-secular heritage.

Connect with Widad 👉 https://www.instagram.com/doudywiddy/

Get your tickets for Aïta Mon Amour at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/february/tamaas-festival.html

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bnc6jhwbSGKZyEI6LBuAu?si=4359dabaa57b4e83
» Anghami: https://open.anghami.com/uApM34ABKMb

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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In this episode of the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center Podcast, we delve into the intrinsic philosophy of dance with dancer and choreographer Omar Rajeh. The conversation spans his journey from founding dance company Maqamat in Beirut in 2002, to developing contemporary dance awareness in Lebanon and organizing the influential BIPOD festival. Omar discusses the transformative power of dance, its societal impact, and the innovative production "Beytna" set to be showcased at The Arts Center's Red Theater on January 30th. He gives his testament to the inclusivity and philosophical depth dance can achieve in our world today.

00:00 Introduction 
00:49 Omar's Journey & Philosophy of Dance
02:01 Challenges & Growth of Contemporary Dance in Lebanon
12:23 The Impact of BIPOD Festival
21:16 Regional Dance Scenes & Collaborations
32:41 Exploring the Beytna Performance
44:30 Future Projects & Digital Platforms
52:24 Conclusion & Upcoming Performance

Omar Rajeh is a choreographer, dancer, and founder and artistic director of Maqamat. Initially based in Lebanon since 2002, he moved and set up his company in Lyon in 2020 to continue to create and develop his projects in France and internationally. He has developed more than 20 choreographic creations and is widely recognized in Lebanon and around the world. His work – inspired by the socio-political concerns that surround it – is always carried with strong compositions and an invested and vigorous physical presence. He also also the founder of BIPOD (Beirut International Platform of Dance), Takween (an intensive training program), Moultaqa Leymoun (a platform that showcases and develops the work of artists and choreographers from the Arab countries), and the co-founder of Masahat network. In 2017, he designed and established Citerne Beirut, a choreographic and cultural center in Lebanon which – following its forced dismantling in 2019 – gave birth in France to Citerne.live in 2020. 

Connect with Omar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/o.rajeh/

Get tickets to the performance in Abu Dhabi on January 30th 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/january/beytna.html

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-arts-center-at-nyu-abu-dhabi-podcast-powered-by-afikra/id1707014540
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bnc6jhwbSGKZyEI6LBuAu?si=4359dabaa57b4e83
» Anghami: https://open.anghami.com/uApM34ABKMb

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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In the lead up to her two-night comedy show performance (in English on January 15 and in Arabic on January 17) of Bint Balad at the NYUAD Arts Center, Maysoon Zayid joins us on The Arts Center's podcast to chat about performing in Abu Dhabi, working with NYUAD, and the importance of creating an accessible future for individuals with disabilities. She provides insight from her multifaceted career as a comedian, writer, and university professor, and talks about her teaching philosophy, the unique dynamics of teaching a condensed J-Term, the global diversity of her students, her innovative course "Message in a Bottle," and her passion for performing live. Maysoon emphasizes the power and responsibility of storytelling, recounts her personal experiences with disability, and highlights the critical need for designing accessible environments in general. This episode is packed with humor, wisdom, and a powerful call to action for inclusivity and understanding.

00:00 Introduction to Disability & Accessibility
00:35 Meet Maysoon Zayid: a Comedian, Writer & More
01:42 Teaching at NYU Abu Dhabi: J-Term Experience
03:53 Message in a Bottle: Course Overview
07:03 The Evolution of Storytelling & Her Infamous TED Talk
09:48 Designing a Disabled-Friendly Future
14:11 Upcoming Shows & Performing in Different Languages
20:26 Accessibility in Theaters
22:01 The Responsibility of Storytelling
23:09 Personal Stories & Authenticity
25:26 A Life-Changing Experience
30:04 Career Challenges and Resilience
34:15 Future Aspirations & Humor

Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. She is a graduate of Arizona State University and a Princeton Fellow, and is the co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. She was a full-time On Air Contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann and a columnist for The Daily Beast. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, ABC News, and the Oprah Winfrey Networks, had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014, and was thrilled to collaborate with Huda Beauty. As a professional comedian, she has sold out top New York clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and the Together Live Tour. She appeared in the critically acclaimed The Ride Along and has written for Glamour magazine. She limped in New York Fashion Week and is a recurring character on General Hospital. She is the author of the best-selling memoir Find Another Dream and Scholastic’s graphic novel Shiny Misfits. She is also the voice of the central character Bay Ann on the Audible version.

Connect with Maysoon 👉 https://www.instagram.com/maysoonzayid/

More info & tickets 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/january/maysoon-zayid.html

Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-arts-center-at-nyu-abu-dhabi-podcast-powered-by-afikra/id1707014540
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bnc6jhwbSGKZyEI6LBuAu?si=4359dabaa57b4e83
» Anghami: https://open.anghami.com/uApM34ABKMb

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.