Fayrouz star at Spring of Culture
By SOMAN BABY
LEGENDARY Fayrouz will be among a world-class line-up confirmed for the Spring of Culture 2008, scheduled to start in Bahrain next month.
With over 30 events over five weeks, beginning on March 1 and running until the F1 weekend in early April, the festival features bigger names, more local talent and even more must-see events in its third successful year.
For this year, Spring of Culture will feature a mix of the best in international, regional and local music, dance, theatre, visual and performing arts, poetry, literature, art and sculpture exhibitions, say organisers.
Fayrouz will be appearing live in Bahrain for the first time in a decade at Arad Fort on March 12.
This year's festival also boasts a dedicated family programme, with seven events either created especially for children or offering real appeal for all ages. These include Teatro Metastasio Stabile della Toscana's Children's Cheering Carpet - The Japanese Garden, a theatre performance that combines dance, storytelling and audience participation in two daily shows at the Salman Cultural Centre, from March 27 to 29.
Storyteller Roger Jenkins will have a performance involving masks and puppetry at the same venue on 15 March.
Jump, the award-winning Korean martial arts performance, will be held at Arad Fort on March 21 and 22.
The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre from Thailand, where every puppet is controlled by three puppeteers who are also classically trained dancers is being held on March 7 at the Culture Hall.
A show by Chinese Little Wood Martial Arts, which combines martial arts with modern dance, music, and spectacular staging is scheduled for March 23 at the Culture Hall.
Also confirmed are Paco Pe–a's A Compas, featuring an evening of flamenco and gypsy music, song and dance from the man hailed as the Saviour of Flamenco - Paco Pe–a.
It will be staged at Arad Fort on March 14.
Another event is by percussion group STOMP, being held at Arad Fort from April 3 to 5.
Local talent features more strongly than ever in this year's festival, say organisers.
Bahrain Arts Society is holding a Triple Sculpture Exhibition by renowned Bahraini artists Ali Al Mahmeed, Mahdi Al Bannai and Fuaad Al Binfalah.
Al Zayed House will be filled with sculptural forms in celebration of women by another local artist, Khalid Farhan, as part of International Women's Day.
Bahraini musician and composer Majeed Marhoun will also be performing at the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre on March 16.
Local galleries will showcase a number of diverse events including Voices of Arab Women film screenings and the Gulf Women Art exhibition at Al Riwaq Art Gallery and La Fontaine Centre for Centemporary Art will present a musical evening with the world famous ney player Suleyman Erguner.
Spring of Culture 2008 is organised by the Economic Development Board in association with Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research. Arts centres and galleries across Bahrain, including Al Riwaq Gallery, La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art, Albareh Art Gallery and the Bahrain Arts Society, are supporting the events.
Sponsors of the event are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company.
"Having Fayrouz headline is a fantastic coup for the festival and for Bahrain, but what I'm most proud of is the breadth and diversity of events at Spring of Culture 2008," said Culture and Heritage assistant under-secretary Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.
"For example, we have the renowned exhibition, Masks - Beauty of the Spirits at the National Museum from March 3," she noted.
"This exhibition, which comes direct from Paris, includes a collection of 100 ethnic masks from around the world, and is a shining example of the museum's ethos of presenting world cultures in a spirit of openness and learning. It's also a truly inclusive event for families.
"What we have also focused strongly on for the last three years is creating a festival that highlights our unique heritage through innovative use of venues and event staging.
"In the Historic Houses of Muharraq we are able to boast some of the region's most evocative and intimate venues."
EDB chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa said Spring of Culture 2008 would provide a cultural feast for everyone living and working in Bahrain.
"It will draw visitors from across the region and beyond - boosting the economy and strengthening our Kingdom's tourism season," he noted.
"With the addition of the Family Programme this year, we look set to provide an even stronger draw for parents and children from across the Gulf - delivering a key part of our national tourism strategy."
Mumtalakat-Bahrain chief executive officer Talal Al Zain said he was looking forward to all the events that promise to give the audience a "definite thrill". "Spring of Culture has always been a success and we are very glad to be part of that success," he added.
Tickets for concerts at Arad Fort are individually priced, and are available from Havajava, Seef Mall, and Al Osra Supermarket in Saar.
For more information, listing details, and ticket availability call the Spring of Culture hotline on 39900630.