Abu Dhabi: The NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) will host its second edition of Ramadaniyyat on April 3–6. Held under the theme of Al-Andalus, Ramadaniyyat will feature a diverse series of public events for Ramadan, hosted jointly by NYUAD’s three public-facing institutions, The Arts Centre, The Art Gallery, and The Institute.
Ms. Nadia El Cheikh, Vice Provost for Cultural and Research Engagement at NYUAD, shared that “this year’s theme, Al-Andalus, is a term used by historians to refer to the period when Muslim sovereigns ruled over parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The theme aims to share the remarkable story of a unique time in history when Muslims, Christians, and Jews forged a common cultural identity that frequently transcended their religious differences and encapsulated stories of a time when these three groups managed to sustain relationships that enabled them to coexist, collaborate, and flourish.”
The program will feature a series of activities beginning with a talk at The Institute on April 3 about the interwoven relationship between poetry, philosophy, and music. Beginning with Andalusian poetry and classical music, poet Mr. Mahdi Mansour and musician Mr. Faraj Abyad will discuss with poet, critic, and media expert Ms. Barween Habib the impact the Andalusian maqamat have had on modern Arabic poetry.
On April 4, The Arts Centre will host a special edition of its contemporary Arab Cinema series, CinemaNa, with four short films by Emirati filmmakers, including Mr. Eman Al Sayed with Hamam Zakiya, Ms. Sarra’a Al Shehhi with Small Dream, Ms. Shereen Abu Ouf with the documentary drama Hayya, and Mr. Abdulrahman Al Madani with The Monster.
On April 5, The Arts Centre will further present the world premiere of Andalusian Love Story, composed by Mr. Faraj Abyad. Andalusian Love Story is a mix of contemporary and classical poetry blended with classical Egyptian and Syrian sounds, based on a series of love letters written between Ibn Zaydun and Wallada Bint Al Mustakfi. The music performance will be followed by an interactive workshop on April 6 on how to set Arabic poetry to music using the Arabic maqam and rhythm.
In addition, the Art Gallery will present a workshop, also on April 6, led by artist and curator Mr. Zuhoor Al Sayegh, who will explore natural healing processes passed down through generations, using plants and herbs often sold at Hakeem spice shops in UAE.