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

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afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi join forces to bring you captivating interviews with an array of talented performers and artists. From the mesmerizing melodies of Meklit Hadero to the electrifying movements of Herve Koubi, this podcast series showcases the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama and poetry. Step into the minds of these visionary creators as they delve into their craft, revealing the inspirations and stories behind their extraordinary performances. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi offers NYUAD compelling programming that connects to the curriculum and illuminates the scholarly pursuits of students and faculty. Its range of public programs aim to animate and enrich the cultural life of both the city of Abu Dhabi and the university through interaction. As a vibrant laboratory for performance that both presents and develops work, The Arts Center fosters a dynamic relationship between the arts, scholarship and community.

  1. JAN 28

    Arabian Fuzz & Revolutionary Poetry | Thomas Attar from Al-Qasar Band

    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 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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    45 min

  2. JAN 26

    Yasmine Hamdan on the Spotifyification of Music, the Diaspora Experience & Finding Her Center

    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:» 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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    51 min

  3. 11/14/2025

    Dear Children, Sincerely: A Sri Lanka-Rwanda Performance | Ruwanthie de Chickera

    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   Connect directly with 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 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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    47 min

  4. 02/12/2025

    Widad Mjama on Moroccan Rap & Aïta Mon Amour's Performance at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi

    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:» 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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    45 min

  5. 01/24/2025

    Beytna Dance Performance Over a Banquet at the NYUAD Arts Center | Omar Rajeh

    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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    53 min

  6. 01/15/2025

    Comedian Maysoon Zayid Performs on Two Nights in Abu Dhabi at The Arts Center's Red Theater

    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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    37 min

  7. 11/25/2024

    Chrystèle Khodr on Lebanon, Theater & Her Play Augurs

    Creating intimate worlds through theater, reckoning with Lebanon's state of play, and paying homage to two of her home country's leading actresses: a conversation with theater maker Chrystèle Khodr. Khodr's play Augurs follows actresses Hanane Hajj Ali and Randa Asmar as they retrace their theatrical journeys from the moment they decide to work in theater in the early 1980s. Using her play as a basis for our conversation, we talk about the Lebanese theater scene at large, erasure of collective memory, and the realities of working in this field from Beirut.  This episode was recorded on September 2, 2024 before the escalated aggression on Lebanon.  0:00 Introduction  1:36 Bringing Augurs to the Arts Center  3:12 Original Vision to Today's Play  12:58 Theater-makers & Lebanon's Theater Scene  19:47 Teaching Theater  22:23 Changing Working Relationships 27:49 Soul of Recent Projects  36:40 Yousef Beidas 40:21 Theater Resources  43:12 Upcoming Performances at NYUAD  Chrystèle Khodr is a theater maker, performer, playwright and director based in Beirut. Her work springs from the emergency to reconstitute the collective memory from personal stories.  Connect with Chrystèle 👉https://www.instagram.com/activecultures/ afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi join forces to bring you captivating one-hour interviews with an array of talented performers and artists showcasing the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama and poetry. Step into the minds of these visionary creators as they delve into their craft, revealing the inspirations and stories behind their extraordinary performances.  The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi offers NYUAD compelling programming that connects to the curriculum and illuminates the scholarly pursuits of students and faculty. Its range of public programs aim to animate and enrich the cultural life of both the city of Abu Dhabi and the university through interaction. As a vibrant laboratory for performance that both presents and develops work, The Arts Center fosters a dynamic relationship between the arts, scholarship and community. Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu 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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

    43 min

  8. 09/11/2024

    Bill Bragin & Maya Allison | 10 years of The Arts Center

    We’re kicking off the third season of the NYUAD Podcast with Bill Bragin, founding executive artistic director of The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi, and Maya Allison, founding executive director of The Art Galleries and senior research scholar and chief curator at New York University #AbuDhabi. They tell us all about what this year holds at NYUAD’s Arts Center with reflections on the legacy they’ve built so far and the local cultural eco-system that they’ve painstakingly nurtured. Maya and Bill invite us into their curatorial decision making, how they see their “local” context in Abu Dhabi, and what it took to speak to an audience that didn’t yet exist. From their biggest learning curves through to curating for an audience with wildly different reference points and cultural backgrounds, this conversation gives us a fascinating look at how the NYUAD Arts Center came to be the fixture of Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene that it is today. You'll also get a sneak peak of what to expect from this new season of performances and exhibitions at The Arts Center. Bill Bragin is a leading figure in music and arts programming and is the first executive artistic director of The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi. Called “one of the most influential figures in the New York live-music business” by The New York Times, Bill brings extensive experience, creativity, and his own unique multidisciplinary vision to the role. Connect with Bill 👉https://www.instagram.com/activecultures/ Maya Allison is the Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi and founding Executive Director of the NYUAD Art Gallery and Project Space. Her background is in academic museums: she curated her first major exhibitions at The RISD Museum (Rhode Island School of Design), then served as curator of the Bell Gallery (Brown University). She was also director of the city-wide, international new media showcase Pixilerations, and of the 5 Traverse Gallery, all in the US. She holds an MFA from Columbia University, a BA in art history from Reed College, and continued her research on curatorial practice via a fellowship at Brown University’s Center for Public Humanities. Connect with Maya 👉https://www.instagram.com/mayaallison2.0/?hl=en afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi join forces to bring you captivating one-hour interviews with an array of talented performers and artists showcasing the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama and poetry. Step into the minds of these visionary creators as they delve into their craft, revealing the inspirations and stories behind their extraordinary performances. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi offers NYUAD compelling programming that connects to the curriculum and illuminates the scholarly pursuits of students and faculty. Its range of public programs aim to animate and enrich the cultural life of both the city of Abu Dhabi and the university through interaction. As a vibrant laboratory for performance that both presents and develops work, The Arts Center fosters a dynamic relationship between the arts, scholarship and community. Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu 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 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   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: 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/uApM34ABKMbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | 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.

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afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi join forces to bring you captivating interviews with an array of talented performers and artists. From the mesmerizing melodies of Meklit Hadero to the electrifying movements of Herve Koubi, this podcast series showcases the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama and poetry. Step into the minds of these visionary creators as they delve into their craft, revealing the inspirations and stories behind their extraordinary performances. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi offers NYUAD compelling programming that connects to the curriculum and illuminates the scholarly pursuits of students and faculty. Its range of public programs aim to animate and enrich the cultural life of both the city of Abu Dhabi and the university through interaction. As a vibrant laboratory for performance that both presents and develops work, The Arts Center fosters a dynamic relationship between the arts, scholarship and community.

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