The French Institute Alliance Française to present World Nomads Tunisia Weekend in New York

posted on: May 3, 2015

Sonia M’Barek

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) has programmed the World Nomads Tunisia Weekend from Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10. Envisioned as a forum for dialog between cultures, World Nomads is FIAF’s biennial celebration of 21st-century transculturalism in the Francophone world. This spring, FIAF returns to focus on the innovative work emerging from Tunisia.

Events include:

Concert

Tunisia’s renowned vocalist Sonia M’Barek will perform with preeminent Tunisian qanun player Slim Jaziri as well as New York’s virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Bassam Saba and his Arabic music ensemble Friday, May 8. The repertoire includes classical Tunisian maluf, Spanish, Turkish, and Sufi influences.

Friday, May 8 at 19:30 (7:30pm)
Venue: FIAF, Florence Gould Hall, Tinker Auditorium, 55 East 59th Street
Admission: FIAF Members: $30, Non-Members: $40, Student Discount: $15

Film

FIAF will present two acclaimed recent films from Tunisia on Saturday, May 9: Nejib Belkadhi’s 7 ½, a U.S. premiere; and Kaouther Ben Hania’s Le Challat de Tunis.

Talk

A panel discussion will celebrate the legacy of the late France-based Tunisian poet Abdelwahab Meddeb, a powerful voice for dialogue between Islam and the West on Saturday, May 9. The talk marks the release of Meddeb’s final book, Instants Soufis, and will be moderated by his daughter, director and journalist Hind Meddeb.

Book Sale

Albertine bookshop will be on site with literature by Abelwahab Meddeb, work from the panelists, essays on the Revolution, photography, and more all day Saturday, May 9.

Best of Tunisia Artisan Market

Throughout the weekend, FIAF will host the Best of Tunisia Artisan Market, featuring a curated selection of Tunisian luxury goods, from fashion to gourmet food, jewelry, décor, and cosmetics from talented Tunisian designers, artists, and artisans.

Tunisian Mother’s Day Brunch

Guests can savor traditional Tunisian cuisine, and enjoy an opportunity to browse artisanal goods at the Best of Tunisia fair on Sunday, May 10.

World Music Central.org