The Southern Theater presents

Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company

with the Georges Lammam Ensemble & others (see below)


The Wanderer (Sawwah)


February 15-25, 2007


Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company's seasonal concert explores the
rich theme of the wanderer, or sawwah. The concert comprises solos
danced byArtistic Director Cassandra Shore as well as her signature
creative work. Cassandra and Saudi artist Hend al Mansour have
collaborated to produce a dance inspired by Islamic designand
influenced by the BusbyBerkeleyspectaculars, including the elaborate
headpieces!The headpieces and costumes are modeled on Egyptian sugar
dolls passed out to children at Moulid (Prophet's birthday)
celebrations. Former Twin Citian Kay Hardy Campbell, director of the
Arabic Music Retreat, composed the music "Longa Shahnaz" that will be
played for the piece. The Wanderer (Sawwah) features an opulent
travelogue of dances from the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean
peoples, such as the lively Levantine Debke village dance, and the
Egyptian gypsy, or Ghawazee dance.



Jawaahir and the Southern are privileged and proud to presentIraqi
vocalist, santoor (Near Eastern hammer dulcimer), and trumpet virtuoso
Amir elSaffar. Amir will befeatured on the Mahmoud Darwish poem,
"Without Exile", sung as poetry in the traditional Arabic mawwal
style. Also premiering with the music ensemble is Bridget Robbins,
nay(Arabic flute) player, protégé of the virtuoso Bassam Saba.



Live Arabic musical accompaniment is provided by the incomparable
Georges Lammam from San Francisco, joined by percussionist Susu
Pampanin of Susu and the Cairo Cats. Naser Musa and Miles Jay will be
returning on oud and bass, respectively. Nicole LeCorgne is returning
on percussion and will be joined byTwin Cities' musicians Salah Abdel
Fattah, Laura Harada, and Tim O'Keefe. The experience will be enriched
by the unique lighting design of Jeff Bartlett, Artistic Director of
the Southern Theater.



Jawaahir, which means "jewels" in Arabic, presents one-of-a-kind
artistic and educational programs that showcase the beauty and drama
of Middle Eastern dance. The company's diverse repertoire — from
traditional folkdances presented in traditional costumes with
traditional music to contemporary Middle Eastern ballets — sets the
stage for a performance that is entertaining, enlightening, and
engaging for audiences of all ages.



The Wanderer (Sawwah)

Feb. 15-18, 21-25, 2007, Wed.-Sat. at8pm; Sun. at7pm

Post-show discussion Sat., Feb. 17 and 24

$25 (Wed, Feb. 21: pay-as-able)

1420 Washington Ave. S.

Minneapolis,MN55454

Box Office: 612.340.1725

www.southerntheater.org