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In celebration of the extraordinary range of artistic expression in the Muslim

world, Asia Society, BAM, and New York University Center for Dialogues

proudly present Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas. Muslim artists and speakers

from as far away as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and as near as

Brooklyn will gather for an unprecedented ten-day festival and conference.

Through performances, films, exhibitions, talks, and other events—ranging

from the traditional (calligraphy, storytelling, and Sufi chanting) to the

contemporary (video installations and Arabic hip-hop)—the festival offers

New York audiences the opportunity to experience the cultural diversity

and multiple perspectives that represent the Muslim world.

Presenters:

June 5—14

MuSIC Youssou n’Dour InTeRnATIOnAL/SenegAL/uS 2Sufi Music ensembles FRAnCe/MOROCCO/SYRIA 4Parissa: An evening of Persian Classical Music IRAn 5Kamilya Jubran: The Maqam and Beyond PALeSTIne 5Muslim Voices at BAMcafé uS 6Qawwali gospel Creation PAKISTAn/uS 7

MuSIC & FILMYoussou n’Dour + I Bring What I Love 3 egYPT/FRAnCe/SenegAL/uS

THeATeR Dastangoi: The Adventures of Amir Hamza InDIA 8Richard III: An Arab Tragedy KuWAIT 9

DAnCe THeATeR Sardono Dance Theater: Diponegoro InDOneSIA 10

FILM Making Of TunISIA 11Love for Share InDOneSIA 11grand Voyage MOROCCO 12Land for a Stranger SYRIA 12Takva—A Man’s Fear of god TuRKeY 13Satin Rouge FRAnCe/TunISIA 13Leila IRAn 14Heart of Jenin geRMAnY/ISRAeL/PALeSTIne 14Destiny egYPT 15The Frontier gandhi: Badshah Khan, A Torch For Peace AFgHAnISTAn/InDIA/PAKISTAn/uS 15

IMAX Journey to Mecca CAnADA/MOROCCO/SAuDI ARABIA/uS 16

WneT.orgMuslim Voices on channel THIRTeen InTeRnATIOnAL/uS 16

VISuAL ART new York Masjid: The Mosques of new York City uS 17Sight unseen: Video from Afghanistan and Iran AFgHAnISTAn/IRAn 17

MARKeTPLACeSouk InTeRnATIOnAL/uS 18

POeTRY Chaikhana/Tea House InTeRnATIOnAL/uS 18

LeCTuReS/TALKSShirin neshat: The House is Black IRAn/uS 19Reza Aslan IRAn/uS 19

COnFeRenCeBridging the Divide between the united States and the Muslim World through Arts and Ideas: Possibilities and Limitations InTeRnATIOnAL/uS 20

MORe eVenTS 22

ACKnOWLeDgMenTS 23

CALenDAR 24

TICKeT & Venue InFO 25

Youssou n’Dour InTeRnATIOnAL/SenegAL/uS

Fri, Jun 5 at 8pmBAM Howard gilman Opera House$25, 45, 55 An undisputed giant of world music, Senegalese artist and humanitarian Youssou N’Dour has raised Senegal’s exuberant mbalax style to global stature. Introduced to American audiences on seminal albums such as Paul Simon’s Graceland and Peter Gabriel’s So, N’Dour continues to influence virtually every realm of the international music scene, riding high on tumbling African rhythms and stratospheric vocals. On June 5, N’Dour kicks off Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas with a concert on BAM’s Opera House stage, performing songs with his band The Super Etoile that draw on his Islamic beliefs, African heritage, and global experiences. The evening will begin with a traditional invocation by three vocalists. N’Dour’s performance is also preceded by a short commissioned suite by Iraqi-American composer/musician Amir El Saffar, performed by a pan-Islamic ensemble. The ensemble will include Marina Alam, Dena El Saffar, and Dhafer Tawil, among others.

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Youssou n’Dour with I Bring What I Love NY Premiere!

egYPT/FRAnCe/SenegAL/uS

I Bring What I Love Directed by elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi2008, 102minIn Arabic, english, French, and Wolof with english subtitles

Followed by a brief appearance by Youssou n’Dour and his band The Super etoile Sat, Jun 6 at 8pmBAM Howard gilman Opera House$20, 30, 40 Muslim Voices presents the New York premiere in BAM’s Opera House of I Bring What I Love. This film is a remarkable portrait of Youssou N’Dour and the making of his Grammy Award-winning album Egypt—his extraordinary testament to his Muslim faith and an impassioned plea for a more tolerant view of Islam. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, this film profiles N’Dour with candid insight while providing a timely look at the complex place of music in Islam. I Bring What I Love received the Special Jury Prize at the 2008 Middle East International Film Festival. The screening will be followed by a brief concert appearance by Youssou N’Dour and his band The Super Etoile.

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Kamilya Jubran: The Maqam and Beyond PALeSTIne

Thu & Fri, Jun 11 & 12 at 9:30pmLila Acheson Wallace AuditoriumAsia Society$25, 35

In Arabic classical music, a maqam, like an Indian raga or Western classical musical mode, shapes the melodic development of composi-tions. One extraordinary female vocalist, Kamilya Jubran, who is rooted in this classical tradition, infuses its ancient power with a contemporary interpretation. Singing modern poetry from Palestine, Iraq, and beyond, she gives voice to a passionate and personal program that explores the idea of “place” in shaping the stages of life.

Parissa: An evening of Persian Classical Music IRAn

Thu & Fri, Jun 11 & 12 at 7:30pmLila Acheson Wallace AuditoriumAsia Society$25, 35

With a voice “at once refined and deeply emo-tional” (The Planet, Australia), renowned clas-sical Iranian vocalist Parissa sings the words of poet Rumi accompanied by two instrumentalists on tar (traditional plucked lute) and daf (frame drum). Parissa’s perfection lies in the simplicity with which she interprets the 13th century poet’s works, reaching into the heart to bring the beauty of Rumi’s words alive.

Ethnomusicologist Stephen Blum and Ameneh Youssefzadeh provide a thoughtful overview of Persian music in a pre-performance lecture on both nights at 6pm.

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Sufi Music ensembles FRAnCe/MOROCCO/SYRIA

Aissawa ensembleAl Taybah ensemble

Sat, Jun 6 at 8pmBAM Harvey Theater$20, 30, 35

A vibrant musical tradition based on the mystical branch of Islam, Sufi music seeks states of transcendence as a way of connecting with God. On June 6, Muslim Voices presents a unique pairing of two all-male groups, the Aissawa and Al Taybah Ensembles, who take the stage for an evening of entrancing and enlightening Sufi music.

Established in the holy city of Fes, the Aissawa Ensemble, one of Morocco’s most accomplished and thrilling Sufi ensembles, enchants audiences with syncopated rhythms on traditional tabls and bendirs and gloriously dissonant trumpets. Based in Avignon, the Al Taybah Ensemble represents the growing community of Muslim converts in France, whose varied influences enrich their musical language. A guest calligrapher and two whirling dervishes add to the performance as members of this ensemble raise their voices together in melodious chants.

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Qawwali gospel Creation PAKISTAn/uS

Faiz Ali Faiz & His ensembleCraig Adams and the Voices of new Orleans

Sat, Jun 13 at 8pmBAM Harvey Theater$20, 30, 35

With its pulsing drums and harmoniums, ecstatic incantations, and euphoric choral refrains, nothing induces a state of spiritual intoxication quite like Qawwali, a 700-year-old tradition of hypnotic Sufi praise music. Qawwali Gospel Creation unites one of the genre’s revered torchbearers, Pakistani singer Faiz Ali Faiz and his ensemble, with African American gospel music—a tradition equally steeped in cathartic song—in a joint evening with renowned pianist/singer Craig Adams and the Voices of New Orleans, raising the spirit in ecstasy.

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Muslim Voices at BAMcafé uS

Brahim Fribgane with zerobridgeFri, Jun 12 at 9:30pm Adam Matta & FriendsSat, Jun 13 at 9:30pm

BAMcaféFree

BAMcafé celebrates Muslim Voices with a weekend of free concerts featuring New York-based Muslim artists engaged in both traditional and innovative approaches. On Friday, alternative band zerobridge, named for the famous Kashmir bridge, opens for in-demand oud rocker Brahim Fribgane who performs with percussionist Adam Rudolf. On Saturday, composer/producer Adam Matta brings a night of hip-hop with his friends Dr. Fawzia Afzal-Khan (spoken word/voice), Nihan Devecioglu (voice), Noah Hoffeld (cello), Remi Kanazi (spoken word), Eyal Maoz (guitar), and Kenny Muhammad The Human Orchestra (beatbox).

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Richard III: An Arab Tragedy KuWAIT

Sulayman Al-Bassam Theatre (Kuwait)Adapted and directed by Sulayman Al-Bassam

Tue—Fri, Jun 9—12 at 7:30pmBAM Harvey Theater$25, 35, 45

In Arabic with english titles

In an oil-rich kingdom, a dictator’s bloody rise to power becomes an allegory of our own times in Richard III: An Arab Tragedy, Kuwaiti director Sulayman Al-Bassam’s groundbreaking remake of Shakespeare’s Machiavellian masterpiece. Grainy TV confessions, sophisticated propaganda, and a wealth of Arabic music and ritual lend themes of leadership, religion, and foreign intervention an uncanny relevance, turning this classic play into a cautionary contemporary tale.

Following the June 11 performance, director Sulayman Al-Bassam will discuss his company’s adaptation of Richard III. Find out how he came to re-imagine Shakespeare’s 16th century tale of power and corruption in a 21st-century Arab context. Al-Bassam will be joined by Margaret Litvin, a specialist in modern Arabic drama and political culture from Boston University. Free for ticket holders.

This work was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company as part of the Complete Works Festival.

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Dastangoi: The Adventures of Amir Hamza InDIA

Sun & Mon, Jun 7 & 8 at 7:30pmLila Acheson Wallace AuditoriumAsia Society$22, 30

In urdu with english subtitles

Magic, sorcery, warriors, and tricksters come together in the vividly told stories of Dastangoi: The Adventures of Amir Hamza as the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle Amir Hamza are rendered. Eminent film actor Naseeruddin Shah along with Mahmood Farooqi and Daanish Hussain perform, creating a fascinating tableau through a combination of poetry and acting.

Hailed by critics as “an enthralling revival of a dying tradition” (Dawn Magazine), dastangoi is a rich form of traditional, dramatized Urdu storytelling that dates back to medieval Iran (Persia) that has recently regained critical acclaim due to the work of distinguished scholar Mahmood Farooqi.

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Twenty-five-year-old Bahta leads a group of break dancers in Tunisia, but when the Iraq War breaks out in 2003, he falls in with a group of militants who try to take him down a destructive path. Making Of won awards for best actor and screenplay at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Making Of (Akher film) TunISIA

Directed by nouri BouzidWith Lotfi ebdelli2006, 120min

Mon, Jun 8 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:15pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Arabic with english subtitles

Up-and-coming director Nia Dinata addresses the tradition and injustices of polygamy in Indonesia today. By interweaving the stories of three very different women, each of whom has developed her own personal response to the practice, Dinata creates a compelling and sometimes humorous portrait of a com-plex social practice.

Love for Share (Berbagi Suami) InDOneSIA

Directed by nia DinataWith Shanty2006, 119min

Tue, Jun 9 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:15pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Bahasa Indonesian with english subtitles

Sardono Dance Theater: Diponegoro

InDOneSIA

Sardono Dance Theater

Sat, Jun 13 at 7:30pmSun, Jun 14 at 3pmLila Acheson Wallace AuditoriumAsia Society$25, 35

“An explosive mixture of formal Javanese dance and wild movement” (The New York Times), Diponegoro is a dance theater work depicting the 19th century Javanese prince and Muslim mystic who led a rebellion against the Dutch in the 1820s. Created by renowned director/choreographer Sardono Kusumo and featuring a cast of eight Indonesian dancers and musicians, Diponegoro bridges traditional and contemporary dance to create a work of astounding originality that explores the nobility and conflict of this national hero. Free pre-performance lecture on June 13 at 6pm and June 14 at 1:30pm.

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grand Voyage MOROCCO

Directed by Ismaël FerroukhiWith nicolas Cazalé, Mohamed Majd2004, 108min

Wed, Jun 10 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:15pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In French and Arabic with english subtitles

Mustapha, an elderly Moroccan who has lived in France for many years, decides that it is finally time for him to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, accompanied by his youngest son, whose habits couldn’t be further from the traditional ones of his father. As they make the long trip—across no fewer than seven countries—the two clash as well as gain unexpected insights on one another and Islam in this off-beat road movie.

Land for a Stranger is a masterful depiction of the twilight years of Abdel-Rahman al-Kawakibi (1852—1902), an important intellectual in the late Ottoman world and author of Characteristics of Tyranny, an outspoken critique of the emerging fundamentalism of his time. Exiled in his day for his calls for democratic and egalitarian political reforms, his work is now considered among the corner-stones of modern Arab political and philosophical writing.

Land for a Stranger (Turab al-ghuraba’) SYRIA

Directed by Samir Zikra With Bassam Kousa1998, 150min

Thu, Jun 11 at 7pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Arabic with english subtitles

The basic goodness of Muharrem, a 45-year-old single man living in Istanbul, earns him new duties with the leader of the religious group he serves so selflessly. But he soon gets involved in the sect’s hidden agenda, as traditional and modern aspects of Islam collide in this exploration of the temptations and struggles of a man trying to live by ancient religious precepts in an increasingly globalized world.

Takva—A Man’s Fear of god TuRKeY

Directed by Özer KiziltanWith erkan Can2006, 97min

Fri, Jun 12 at 2, 6:50pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Turkish with english subtitles

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Satin Rouge FRAnCe/TunISIA

Directed by Raja AmariWith Hiam Abbass2002, 100min

Fri, Jun 12 at 4:30, 9:15pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Arabic and French with english subtitles

Lilia is a widowed seamstress who, after a visit to her daughter’s belly-dancing class, is unexpectedly introduced to a new world in which she rediscovers herself. Preceded by the short film If I Wasn’t Muslim (Bosnia, Dir. Damir Nikšic, 2004, 6min) about a Bosnian man who sings a humorous song about being the only Muslim in a predomi-nantly Christian country.

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Leila IRAn

Directed by Dariush MehrjuiWith Leila Hatami, Ali Mosaffa1996, 102min

Sat, Jun 13 at 6pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Arabic with english subtitles

This key work by one of Iran’s leading directors is a gripping portrayal of the conflict between modernity and tradition in Iran. Leila and Reza are happy young newly-weds who seem to have everything. But when the bride learns she is infertile, her mother-in-law begins an all-out campaign to convince her that Reza should take a second wife, as permitted by Islamic law.

After Ahmed Khatib, a twelve-year-old Palestinian boy, was accidentally shot and killed by an Israeli soldier, his par-ents decided to donate as many of his organs as possible to Israeli children in need, including an Orthodox Jew, a Bedouin, and a Druze. This deeply moving documentary charts the emotional journeys taken by the boy’s parents and the Israeli children who are alive today because of their extraordinary gift.

Heart of Jenin (Das Herz von Jenin) geRMAnY/ISRAeL/PALeSTIne

Directed by Leon geller and Marcus Vetter2008, 89min

Sat, Jun 13 at 3, 9pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In Arabic, Hebrew, and english with english subtitles

Destiny (al-Massir) egYPT

Directed by Youssef ChahineWith nour el-Sharif, Laila eloui1997, 135min

Sun, Jun 14 at 2, 8pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In French and Arabic with english subtitles

Destiny relates the life story of Averroës, the 12th century Andalusian philosopher best-known for his commentaries on Aristotle and for his insistence that reason and faith are not incompatible. Youssef Chahine, one of Egypt’s greatest and most iconoclastic filmmakers, brings Averroës’ story to life in this complex and exuberantly contradictory film, punctuated by extravagant musical numbers.

Also, BAMcinématek presents the film retrospective Tribute to Youssef Chahine, May 29—June 7.

This dramatic documentary tells the extraordinary tale of Muslim peacemaker Badshah Khan—born into Pashtun warrior society—who managed to raise a nonviolent army of 100,000 men, women, and youngsters as he struggled for India’s independence alongside Gandhi. Shot in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, this eye-opening film includes rare historical footage, remarkably candid interviews from world leaders, and a score by world music pioneer David Amram. This film is a co-production of the US and Canada.

The Frontier gandhi: Badshah Khan, A Torch For Peace AFgHAnISTAn/InDIA/PAKISTAn/uS

Directed by T.C. McLuhan2008, 92min

Sun, Jun 14 at 5pmBAM Rose Cinemas$11

In english, urdu, Dari, Pashto, and Hindi with english subtitles

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Sight unseen: Video from Afghanistan and Iran AFgHAnISTAn/IRAn

Jun 9—Sep 13Tue—Sun, 11am—6pm; with extended hours Fri until 9pmAsia Society Museum$5, 7, 10

Showcasing video works by Afghan artist Rahraw Omarzad and Iranian artist Seifollah Samadian, this exhibition explores new artistic media and expression coming out of the Muslim world. Omarzad played a key role in the establishment of the Center for Contemporary Art Afghanistan (CCAA). He is one of Afghanistan’s first avant-garde video artists and is a key figure in the young Kabul art scene. Samadian, a highly regarded cinematographer, art director, and photographer, has worked with directors such as Martin Scorsese and Abbas Kiarostami, and came to the forefront of contemporary Iranian video art with his evocative work during the Iran-Iraq war.

new York Masjid: The Mosques of new York City uS

Jun 5—14natman Room, BAMFree

Edward Grazda’s documentary project New York Masjid: The Mosques of New York City, published as a book of the same title, presents a different look at the New York Muslim community in recent times. Through an exploration of the various spaces in which Muslims assemble to worship throughout the boroughs, Grazda’s photography reveals a unique perspective on an emerging cultural identity that is both American and Muslim.

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Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta CAnADA/MOROCCO/SAuDI ARABIA/uS

Directed by Bruce neibaur narrated by Ben Kingsley2009, 45min

Wed, Jun 10 at 7pmLeFrak TheaterAmerican Museum of natural History$13.50, 17

In english

Five days a year, 3 million Muslims pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca—fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam known as the Hajj. Shot in breathtaking IMAX, Journey to Mecca is the extraordinary adventure story of a young man named Ibn Battuta and his epic and perilous journey in 1325 from Morocco to the sacred city. As the camera soars over vast Sahara sands, alongside caravans stretching to the horizon, and enters the Grand Mosque itself, viewers are able to witness the spectacular pageant of devotion and one of the longest running gatherings of people on earth.

Co-presented by BAM and the American Museum of natural History

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WneT.org InTeRnATIOnAL/uS

Tune in to THIRTEEN for a rich array of programming presented in conjunction with Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas. Visit thirteen.org/muslimvoices for a complete schedule and also watch SundayArts (Sundays at noon on THIRTEEN) for festival news and highlights.

HIgHLIgHTS

Reel 13 Indies: Confessions of a gambler Sat, Jun 13 at 10:55pm

Wide Angle: Dishing Democracy* Mon, Jun 8 at 10pm

America at the Crossroads: Stand-up: Muslim American Comics Come of Age* Wed, Jun 10 at 10pm

Wide Angle: Class of 2006* Fri, Jun 12 at 10pm

On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly* Sun, Jun 14 at 11:30pm

*Check thirteen.org for late night repeats

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Chaikhana/Tea HouseInTeRnATIOnAL/uS

Wed, Jun 10 at 7:30pmRose Conference Hall Asia Society$10, 15

Revered throughout history, poetry and prose hold an essential place in Muslim cultures. Innovative prose is celebrated today as it was in the past, with a cup of tea in hand and an ear to the nuanced sound of the word. Historically recited, sung, and discussed in tea houses, royal courts, and drawing rooms, storytelling and recitation are still enjoyed in contemporary salons. Asia Society embraces the tea house experience, with an opportunity to hear poems and stories on topics ranging from mystical love to social satire and commentary.

Souk InTeRnATIOnAL/uS

Sat, Jun 6, 12—10pmSun, Jun 7, 12—8pmRain or shineBAM (at Lafayette Ave and Ashland Pl)Free admission

On June 6 & 7, the area surrounding BAM will be transformed into a vibrant souk, or open-air market, featuring food, arts, and crafts from diverse Muslim cultures. The market will also include craft demonstrations, hands-on workshops, exhibits, and outdoor performances by local Muslim artists and artisans. Music presented in partnership with Brooklyn Arts Council.

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Reza Aslan in Conversation with Vishakha DesaiIRAn/uS

Tue, Jun 9 at 6:30pmLila Acheson Wallace AuditoriumAsia Society$10, 15

Acclaimed author Reza Aslan (No god but God, How to Win a Cosmic War) discusses Islam today in the context of history, faith, ideology, and culture with Asia Society president Vishakha Desai. Together they explore historic patterns of interaction between the Muslim world and the United States and the potential to build new and more meaningful relationships, particularly for the next generation.

Shirin neshat: The House is Black IRAn/uS

Mon, Jun 8 at 7pmBAMcafé$10

Iranian-American filmmaker Shirin Neshat pres-ents a rare screening of Forough Farrokhzad’s landmark short film The House is Black (1962). Proclaimed by director Mohsen Makhmalbaf as “the best Iranian film,” it is regarded by many to have ushered in the New Wave in Iranian cinema and has inspired Neshat’s own work. In this unsparing document of human suffering, Farrokhzad’s haunting narration weaves lyrical fragments of her own poetry, the Qur’an, and the Old Testament. Neshat will also present excerpts of her films. She will be joined in con-versation with Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak, professor and founding director of the Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland.

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Bridging the Divide Between the united States and the Muslim World through Arts and Ideas: Possibilities and Limitations InTeRnATIOnAL/uS

Fri—Sun, Jun 5—7Brooklyn Marriott

While this conference is not a public event, the opening session on June 6 at 9am will be open to the

general public by RSVP via email at info@centerfordialogues.org. Transcripts and/or recordings of the

remainder of the conference will be made available at MuslimVoicesFestival.org.

NYU Center for Dialogues presents Bridging the Divide between the United States and the Muslim World through Arts and Ideas: Possibilities and Limitations, an academic, cultural, and policy conference that will bring together approximately 50 artists, producers, religious and community leaders, scholars, and policy makers from the Muslim world, the United States, and Europe. Participants will discuss three broad themes: “The World of the Artist,” which examines artists’ place in the Muslim world and their access to audiences and venues; “Art and Social Commentary,” which considers art’s power to transform as well as to critique; and “Cultural Exchange,” which investigates how to harness cultural capital through cultural exchanges and suggests new arenas for cultural diplomacy.

The conference will blend performance, panelist presentations, and group discussions to spark conversations about how the rich expressive arts of Muslim cultures might re-invigorate United States relations with the Muslim world.

Participants include:

Sami Angawi, world-renowned Saudi Arabian architect who holds a doctorate in Islamic architec-ture from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. Since 1988, he has been director of Jeddah’s Amar Center for Architectural Heritage. His current projects include the Islamic Society of Boston’s Cultural Center.

nashwa Alruwaini, CEO of Pyramedia production company and former executive director of Abu Dhabi’s Middle East International Film Festival. She hosts Dubai TV’s weekly talk show Nashwa and produces the hit Arabic-language competition program The Million’s Poet.

Tahar ben Jelloun, Moroccan writer, winner of the Prix Goncourt and other awards. His novels, which include Children of Sand and This Blinding Absence of Light, deal with post-colonial unease, racism, and other social issues. In 2008, he was named Officer of France’s Légion d’Honneur.

Kenizé Mourad, French writer and great-granddaughter of the last Ottoman sultan, whose most well-known novel, Regards from the Dead Princess, traced her mother’s life as an exile in Beirut and an Indian rajah’s wife. The novel has been translated into 23 languages and has sold millions of copies.

Zarqa nawaz, Canadian filmmaker and creator of the hit sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie, which follows the adventures of a Muslim congregation living in rural Canada. Nawaz is CEO of FUNdamentalist Films and producer of the 2005 documentary Me and the Mosque.

Farhan nizami, founding director of Oxford University’s Center for Islamic Studies and Prince of Wales Fellow in the Study of the Islamic World. Dr. Nizami is founder and editor of the Journal of Islamic Studies and a Commander of the British Empire.

Photos (top, left to right): Sami Angawi by Ammar Angawi , nashwa Alruwaini by Pyramedia, Tahar ben Jalloun by C. Hlie gallimard; (bottom, left to right) Kenizé

Mourad courtesy of the subject, Zarqa nawaz courtesy of the subject, Farhan nizami courtesy of the subject

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The Seen and the Hidden: (Dis)covering the VeilAustrian Cultural ForumMay 21—Aug 29acfny.org / 212.319.5300This trans-cultural exhibition explores the questions and tensions

surrounding the Muslim practice of veiling through the eyes of

contemporary artists from the Middle East, Europe, and New York.

Masterpieces of Islamic Calligraphy from The Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe Metropolitan Museum of Art Jun 2—Sep 1metmuseum.org / 212.535.7710Sumptuous masterpieces of calligraphy in a range of media span-

ning the 8th to the 19th century, from Spain to south Asia and be-

yond, will be on view to demonstrate the impact and importance

of this most quintessential of Islamic art forms.

Light of the Sufis: The Mystical Arts of IslamBrooklyn Museum Jun 5—Sep 6brooklynmuseum.org / 718.638.5000This exhibition will feature precious objects by artists from the

medieval Islamic period through the present day that are inspired

by Sufism’s literal and figurative focus on light, underscored by the

poetry of celebrated mystics such as Jalal al-Din Rumi.

Perspectives: Women, Art & IslamMoCADA (Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts) & Museum for African ArtJun 4—Sep 13mocada.org / 718.230.0492MoCADA, in collaboration with the Museum for African Art, pres-

ents an exhibition that spans three continents and the mediums

of video, photography, and installation to challenge preconceived

notions of what it means to be a Muslim, a woman, and a visual

artist whose work is influenced by Islam.

ISLAM In euROPeInSuLT: Fractured States? The new York Public Library Jun 9—11nypl.org/live / 212.930.0855LIVE from the NYPL, in collaboration with the European Union

National Institutes for Culture presents this series of debates,

discussions, and conversations gathering prominent, multidisci-

plinary speakers from around the world to explore how the power

of insult ignites, engages, and launches both positive and negative

action that shapes society.

Partner Events

School Audiences

Paint the Town GreenIn celebration of Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas, the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Borough Hall will be lit green from June 5—7. The color green has many significant associations in Islam and is considered auspicious.

BAM Education presents the film I Love Hip Hop in Morocco for school groups (recommended for grades 10—12) on Thursday, May 28 at 10:30am at BAM Rose Cinemas. In this documentary, a determined group of Moroccan hip-hop hopefuls band together to create their country’s first hip-hop festival, a celebration of music, unity, and free speech. This film provides an illuminating perspective on a Muslim culture, exploring both the similarities and differences between Moroccan and American youth. Tickets are $6 per student and include a pre-show preparation workshop for every class attending, a teacher’s study guide, and a post-performance discussion with the film’s co-director Joshua Asen.

In addition, BAM Education is offering in-school Islamic calligraphy workshops and lecture demonstrations this spring for grades 6—12.

For more information, please contact BAM Education at 718-636-4130 x 1.

FundersMAJOR SuPPORT IS PROVIDeD BY:

Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art

Rockefeller Brothers Fund

The Rockefeller Foundation’s new York City Cultural Innovation Fund

Robert Sterling Clark Foundation

The Ford Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

ADDITIOnAL SuPPORT IS PROVIDeD BY:

Carnegie Corporation of new York

The gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation

The Pluralism Fund

The Reed Foundation

Citi Foundation

Lisina M. Hoch

Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Fund

Asian Cultural Council

Kite Foundation

Arteeast

Amita and Purnendu Chatterjee

new York Community Trust

new York State Council on the Arts

PARSA Community Foundation

Zain

Anonymous

Cosmic Picture

Hazen Polsky Foundation

Youssou n’Dour and Muslim

Voices film series are part of

Diverse Voices at BAM

presented by:

Special thanks to The new York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

The BAM facilities are owned by the City of new York and benefit from public funds provided through the new York City Department of Cultural Affairs with support from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin; the new York City Council including Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Cultural Affairs Committee Chair Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., the Brooklyn Delegation of the Council, and Councilwoman Letitia James; and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

American Museum of natural HistoryAustrian Cultural ForumBrooklyn Arts CouncilBrooklyn MuseumThe Metropolitan Museum of Art

Museum for African Art Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) The new York Public Library european union national Institutes for Culture (eunIC)

Associate Partners

Media Partners

Honorary Committeenassir Abdulaziz Al nasser, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Abdullah M. Alsaidi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen to the United Nations Mohamed Arkoun, Emeritus Professor, Sorbonne University (Algeria-France) Margaret Ayers, President, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister, Malaysia Alison Bernstein, Vice President for Knowledge, Creativity and Freedom, The Ford Foundation Habib Bourguiba Jr., former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia Reisu-I-ulama Mustapha Ceric, Grand Mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina The Trustees of The gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation

giadella A. B. ettalhi, Permanent Representative of the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamhuriya to the United Nations Kirsten gillibrand, Senator, New York Jennifer P. goodale, Executive Director, Asian Cultural Council Stephen Heintz, President, Rockefeller Brothers Fund edward P. Henry, President, Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art Saad eddin Ibrahim, Director, Ibn Khaldun Center, Egypt ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General, Organization of the Islamic Conference (Turkey) Franciscus Antonius Maria Majoor, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations

Ingrid Mattson, Director, Macdonald Center for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, Hartford Seminary; President, Islamic Society of North America Thomas Matussek, Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations Thomas Mayr-Harting, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations Seyyed Hossein nasr, Professor of Religion, George Washington University Farhan nizami, Director, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Her Majesty Queen noor Thoraya Obaid, United Nations Under-Secretary General (Saudi Arabia) Don Randel, President, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Iqbal Riza, Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General (Pakistan)

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chairman, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative John D. Rockefeller IV, Senator, West Virginia Judith Rodin, President, Rockefeller Foundation Rabbi David Rosen, President, International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Relations (US) Jane gregory Rubin, Secretary, The Reed Foundation nawaf A. Salam, Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portugal, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Charles Schumer, Senator, New York John Sexton, President, New York University nancye B. Starnes, President, Kite Foundation 22 23

ASIA SOCIeTYOnline: asiasociety.org Phone: 212.517.ASIA Box office: Tue—Sun: 11am—6pm, with extended hours Fri until 9pm

Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium, Asia Society Museum, Rose Conference Hall725 Park Ave (at 70th St), New York, NY 10021

6 to 68th St/Hunter College, F to 63rd St/Lexington Ave

BAMLive performances/talks

Online: BAM.org Phone: 718.636.4100; Mon—Fri: 10am—6pm; Sat: 12noon—6pm Box office: Mon—Sat: 12noon—6pm

Films

Online: BAM.org Phone: 718.777.FILM (order by name of movie; on day of screening use theater express code 545).

Box Office: Opens half an hour prior to the first screening of the day

BAM Harvey Theater, 651 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

BAM Howard gilman Opera House, BAM Rose Cinemas, BAMcafé, natman RoomPeter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Ave; N, R, D, M to Pacific St; C to Lafayette Ave; G to Fulton St

AMeRICAn MuSeuM OF nATuRAL HISTORYOnline: amnh.org/programs Phone: 212.769.5200 Admissions center: Daily, 10am—5:45pm

LeFrak Theater, Central Park West (at 79th St), New York, NY 10024

B, C to 81st St; 1 to 79th St

Special offerSave your ticket stubs! Muslim Voices ticket holders receive a 10% discount at AsiaStore and 15% off at Brownstone Books at BAM during the Festival (June 5—14 only). At AsiaStore, discover the best in Asian design and literature; at Brownstone Books at BAM, find arts-related books, music, and gift items. Ticket stub must be presented for discount. Discounts are non-transferrable and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Ticket & Venue InfoFRI, Jun 5 8pm Youssou n’Dour pg 2 International/Senegal/uS Music BAM $25—55

new York Masjid opens pg 17 uS Visual Art BAM Free

SAT, Jun 612—10pm Souk pg 18 International/uS Marketplace BAM Free

8pm Sufi Music ensembles pg 4 France/Morocco/Syria Music BAM $20—35

8pm Youssou n’Dour + I Bring What I Love pg 3 egypt/France/Senegal/uS Music/Film BAM $20—40

Sun, Jun 712—8pm Souk pg 18 International/uS Marketplace BAM Free

7:30pm Dastangoi pg 8 India Theater Asia Society $22—30

MOn, Jun 84:30, 6:50, 9:15pm Making Of pg 11 Tunisia Film BAM $11

7pm Shirin neshat pg 19 Iran/uS Lecture/Talk BAM $10

7:30pm Dastangoi pg 8 India Theater Asia Society $22—30

Tue, Jun 94:30, 6:50, 9:15pm Love for Share pg 11 Indonesia Film BAM $11

6:30pm Reza Aslan pg 19 Iran/uS Lecture/Talk Asia Society $10—15

7:30pm Richard III: An Arab Tragedy pg 9 Kuwait Theater BAM $25—45

Sight unseen opens pg 17 Afghanistan/Iran Visual Art Asia Society $5—10

WeD, Jun 104:30, 6:50, 9:15pm grand Voyage pg 12 Morocco Film BAM $11

7pm Journey to Mecca pg 16 Canada/Morocco/Saudi Arabia/uS IMAX AMnH $13.50—17

7:30pm Richard III: An Arab Tragedy pg 9 Kuwait Theater BAM $25—45

7:30pm Chaikhana/Tea House pg 18 International/uS Poetry Asia Society $10—15

THu, Jun 117pm Land for a Stranger pg 12 Syria Film BAM $11

7:30pm Richard III: An Arab Tragedy pg 9 Kuwait Theater BAM $25—45

7:30pm Parissa: Classical Persian Music pg 5 Iran Music Asia Society $25—35

9:30pm Kamilya Jubran: The Maqam & Beyond pg 5 Palestine Music Asia Society $25—35

FRI, Jun 122, 6:50pm Takva—A Man’s Fear of god pg 13 Turkey Film BAM $11

4:30, 9:15pm Satin Rouge pg 13 France/Tunisia Film BAM $11

7:30pm Richard III: An Arab Tragedy pg 9 Kuwait Theater BAM $25—45

7:30pm Parissa: Classical Persian Music pg 5 Iran Music Asia Society $25—35

9:30pm Kamilya Jubran: The Maqam & Beyond pg 5 Palestine Music Asia Society $25—35

9:30pm Brahim Fribgane with zerobridge pg 6 uS Music BAM Free

SAT, Jun 133, 9pm Leila pg 14 Iran Film BAM $11

6pm Heart of Jenin pg 14 germany/Israel/Palestine Film BAM $11

7:30pm Sardono Dance Theater: Diponegoro pg 10 Indonesia Dance Theater Asia Society $25—35

8pm Qawwali gospel Creation pg 7 Pakistan/uS Music BAM $20—35

9:30pm Adam Matta & Friends pg 6 uS Music BAM Free

Sun, Jun 142, 8pm Destiny pg 15 egypt Film BAM $11

3pm Sardono Dance Theater: Diponegoro pg 10 Indonesia Dance Theater Asia Society $25—35

5pm The Frontier gandhi pg 15 Afghanistan/India/Pakistan/uS Film BAM $11

CalendarDATe/TIMe eVenT COunTRY ASSOCIATIOn genRe Venue TICKeTS

Muslim Voices OnlineVisit MuslimVoicesFestival.org for video previews, music clips, artist interviews, and more.

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