RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
On November 28, Abu Dhabi will come alive with the vibrant hues of the UAE's rich cultural heritage at the Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Hekayah | The Story, a grand celebration commemorating Eid Al Etihad will transport audiences on a captivating journey through time, immersing them in the nation's history, traditions, and aspirations.
The event, marking its 10th edition, is a journey through time, a tribute to the nation's heritage, and a celebration of its future. By bringing together music, dance, art, and culture, this event will inspire and unite people from all walks of life.
Hekayah | The Story, taking place in The Black Box, a versatile performance space at The Arts Centre, will be a mesmerising fusion of music, poetry dance, and theatre. Renowned artists and performers from across the UAE and beyond showcase their talents and pay homage to the nation's cultural heritage. The event will feature a diverse lineup of performances, including traditional Emirati folk dances, contemporary music acts, and captivating storytelling sessions.
The evening will be hosted by Reem Almenhali, an Emirati performance artist and theatre practitioner. It will have an eclectic mix of performances that highlight the UAE's cultural diversity. The lineup includes:
• Ananya (India) - Music
• Edenojie (Nigeria) - Music
• Ibby VK (Armenia/Syria) – Music
• Jaysus Zain (Sudan) - Spoken word poetry
• Jared Maxilom (Philippines) - Spoken word poetry
• Jennah Fakhouri (Palestine/USA) - Spoken word poetry
• Jiire Smith (Nigeria) - Music
• Namal Siddiqui (Pakistan) - Spoken word poetry
• Payel Das (India) - Dance
• Salem Attas (UAE) - Spoken word poetry
• Sreeja Chakra (Bengali) - Music
• Trixie Danielle (Philippines) - Spoken word poetry
The artists have been carefully selected through a collaborative curatorial process involving key figures in the UAE's literary and performing arts communities.
The celebration will serve as a platform to showcase the UAE's harmonious blend of cultures and traditions. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the diversity of the nation's people and their unique contributions to the country's rich tapestry. Through music, dance, and art, Hekayah | The Story will celebrate the spirit of unity and tolerance that defines the UAE.
The event will pay tribute to the visionary leaders who laid the foundation for the modern UAE. Through heartfelt performances and inspiring speeches, Hekayah | The Story will honour the sacrifices and achievements of the nation's founders. The celebration will also highlight the significant role played by the UAE's Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation's security and prosperity.
In addition to the performances, the event will offer a delectable culinary experience, where attendees can indulge in a variety of traditional Emirati dishes, as well as international cuisine.
The event is family-friendly, offering a wide range of activities for people of all ages. Children can enjoy fun-filled games, face painting, and interactive workshops. There will also be dedicated zones for families to relax and enjoy the festivities together.
In addition to performances, the event features the NYUAD Night Souk, a marketplace with local artisan products and food stations, enhancing the cultural experience for attendees.
The inaugural edition of Hekayah | The Story was launched in 2014. The event gained significant popularity from 2017 and began to attract a larger audience, showcasing a wider range of performers from various cultural backgrounds.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually for the first time in 2020. This special 50th Anniversary Jubilee edition featured a diverse lineup of poets, musicians, and storytellers, celebrating the UAE's Eid Al Etihad online. In 2021, the event was also held online, maintaining its commitment to celebrating the UAE's cultural diversity despite the ongoing pandemic.
From its debut until today, Hekayah | The Story has become a beloved tradition, embodying the spirit of the UAE's Eid Al Etihad by celebrating the nation's past, present, and future through the arts.