Lovers of dance can look forward to a rich and diverse program of performances, workshops and talks, and an exhibition in April when the 14th edition of BIPOD - the Beirut International Platform of Dance gets under way.
One of the most highly anticipated events in Lebanon's cultural calendar, BIPOD 2018 will showcase a wealth of talent in and around the city, welcoming dance companies and troupes from across the continents that will be performing from Wednesday April 11 until Friday April 27, 2018.
The programme for BIPOD 2018 was announced by Maqamat, represented by Omar Rajeh, Maqamat - Founder and Artistic Director, and Mia Habis - BIPOD Artistic Director, at a press conference held today, at Sursock Museum, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture.
Speeches were also delivered by Dr. Edoardo Crisafulli, Director of the Italian Institute of Culture - Beirut; Kristin Smith, Cultural Affairs Officer at the United States Embassy; and Mani Pournaghi, Director of Goethe-Institut Libanon.
Lynn Tehini Kassatly, advisor to the Minister of Culture; Elisabeth Gilgen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy, and Manal Kortam representing the Embassy of Norway, and representatives from partner institutions, sponsors and the media were also in attendance.
Commenting at the launch of the program, Omar Rajeh said: "Our only hope lies in culture and awareness. The world is becoming a small place and we are being left with two choices: either to surrender and obey or to insist on creating landscapes of inspiration. Our only hope is culture, the artistic work, and the artists that open new horizons, visions and dreams for us. We invest in the present because we believe it is the only pathway to a better future. We refuse to surrender, and we insist on seeking the significance of this "Homus Perfectus".
He continued: "Each year we face the challenge of sustainability and progress, of overcoming ourselves and being able to maintain our integrity in presenting new works and experiences that are up to the level of the festival and to the expectations of the public. Our ultimate responsibility is to look out and dig in the façade of the present, while, it seems, that the public's responsibility is to always be there and support this festival.
In her address, Mia Habis said "Maqamat would like to salute not only women choreographers but all women, who publically and privately fight every day and continue walking in life remarkably. We dedicate BIPOD's 14th edition to them. The road is long and riddled with pitfalls but still with the years, I believe that dance can have more than ever; the power to wipe off all traces of struggle and emerge instead poetry, concentration of life and inspiration.
She continued "This year we offer our audience the different choreographical languages of women, celebrating their creativity, their hard work that questions our society and highlight ideas and new concepts that may spread into a tool for progress and change."
BIPOD 2018 Program
This year's festival will feature no less than 16 performances by dancers from countries ranging from Spain, Italy, Norway and Iceland to Egypt, Palestine, and Switzerland/USA, and that will take place at D Beirut and Sursock Museum.
For this edition, a partnership with the Italian Embassy in Lebanon and MiBACT (Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism), and the Italian Institute of Culture - Beirut, has allowed BIPOD to organize an Italian focus within the Festival. BIPOD strongly believes that the presence of Italian companies will enhance the diversity of artistic propositions in contemporary dance.
Other highlights include an exhibition by the Lebanese photographer Myriam Boulos.
In addition, BIPOD 2018 presents the Award for Life Achievement to Mrs. Georgette Gebara, a crucial figure for the establishment and development of dance in Lebanon and a dance militant who never let a bomb get in her way to achieve her passion.
In parallel with the festival, a meeting will be held for APAP Board of Directors in Lebanon. APAP is an international network of 11 cultural organisations from all over Europe of which Maqamat/Beit El Raqs is an associated partner. www.apapnet.eu
The 7th edition of MOULTAQA LEYMOUN, a platform showcasing and promoting contemporary dance in the Arab World, organized in parallel with BIPOD 2018, will be held from Friday April 13 until Sunday April 15, and will feature more than 20 artists from Lebanon and different Arab Countries. More than 40 international festival directors and dance programmers will also attend this year's edition.
The full program for BIPOD 2018 is available on: www.maqamat.org
Tickets are on sale at Librairie Antoine.
Facebook: @maqamat
Twitter: @maqamat
Instagram: @maqamat_dance_theater
 (1)-180315021200742.jpg)
