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Alhayat Raksa (Life Is a Dance)
Mosaic Dance Theater Company’s (MDTC) presents the world premiere production of "Alhayat Raksa (Life Is a Dance)." Performances are scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM, and Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 3:00 PM, at the First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042. An artist talkback is planned after each performance. The program is presented free of charge, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations can be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alhayat-raksa-life-is-a-dance-tickets-662980170537
For additional information, visit www.MosaicDanceTheaterCo.org.
The story, told through dance, centers around an Arab woman who, at the end of her life, resolves her conflicting emotions and resentments of having had to follow the traditional path for a woman of marriage and a family, instead of pursuing a career as a dancer. The work underscores the fragility of women’s rights and choices that we often take for granted. The story is told as a flashback of the woman’s life. The different scenes, through the music composed for them, present different styles of Middle Eastern dance: traditional folklore, elegant raks sharki (oriental dance), popular shaabi (street dance), and contemporary interpretive Middle Eastern dance.
“Alhayat Raksa (Life Is a Dance)”, adapted from an original story idea by Trisha Cangiano, is directed by Morgiana Celeste Varricchio (MDTC’s Producing Artistic Director) and choreographed by Samara Adell (MDTC’s Artistic Director for Dance), with a commissioned score of original Arabic music composed by Maurice Chedid. Performing are: Samara Adell, Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, Nina Brewton, Kendra Dushac McCarthy, Heather Panikkar, Kaitlin Hines-Vargas, and Tashira Wadiya.
Made possible by funds from the Essex County Division of Cultural Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and supported by New Music USA’s New Music Organizational Development Fund.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/1999530-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/1999530-2
