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To learn about previous events, scroll to bottom of the page. All programs free unless otherwise noted.


Feb. 2 (Thurs), 7 pm—LAPL's "Aloud" Series Presents Reza Aslan in Conversation with Jack Miles on "The Coming Reformation of Islam"

Following his appearance at Levantine Center in January, where he discussed topical issues of the Middle East and Islam in the West with historian Mark LeVine, Reza Aslan will be in conversation with religion scholar Jack Miles in the Central Library's plush Mark Taper Auditorium.

Who has the authority to define the faith and practice of over a billion people: the individual or the institution? Join two brilliant scholars of religion for a fascinating discussion on the internal conflict within Islam over the scope and outcome of the Islamic Reformation. For full bios of Azlan and Miles click here.

RSVP to 213.228.7025. Taper Auditorium, LA Public Library, 5th & Flower, Downtown LA.


Through March 11—Irit Batsry's "Through the Looking" Exhibit Opens at Shoshana Wayne Gallery

Multimedia artist Irit Batsry was born in Israel but has been based in New York since 1983.
She is an artist working mainly in video and installations. In 2002, she was awarded the prestigious Whitney Biennial Bucksbaum Award, given to "an artist whose work demonstrates a singular combination of talent and imagination - a person who promises to make significant contributions to the visual arts."

She received a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship in 1992 and the Grand Prix Video de Création of the Société Civile des Auteurs Multimedia, Paris (1996 and 2001), as well as many international festival prizes including: Grand Prix Locarno 90 and 95, First Prize - Vigo 94 and 01 Best Intl. Artistic Contribution - Cadiz 91, First Prize - the Australian Video Festival 89, First prize - San Francisco Poetry Film Festival 89.Her work has been shown extensively in 35 different countries. Selected shows include the National Gallery in Washington DC, the National Film Theater and the ICA (London), the Reina Sofia Museum (Madrid), Palais de Tokyo (Paris), Museu d'Arte Moderna (Rio), Ludwig Museum (Cologne), Tel Aviv Museum, and The Museum of Modern Art (New York).Her videotapes were acquired by museums and selected for international film and video festivals including : Rotterdam 2000, New York 97, 01, Rio 87,90, Berlin 88,90,92,96, London 87,91,96, 00, Montréal 87,88,94,96,97, Bonn 86,88,90,92,94, 96, Geneva 89,91,93,95, Oberhausen 92,96, and the World Wide Video Festival 92,94,96, 00.

Her work has been broadcast in the United States on PBS and in Europe on La Sept, WDR and ARTE.

Reception for the artist, Sat., Feb. 4; show runs through March 11. "Through the Looking Glass," Shoshana Wayne Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., B1, Santa Monica 90404. Info 310.453.7535.


Feb. 4/6 (Sat/Mon)—Santa Barbara Int'l Film Fest Screens "Turtles Can Fly" Set in Kurdistan

"Turtles Can Fly" is the third feature from internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi (A TIME FOR DRUNKEN HORSES). Written, directed and produced by Ghobadi, the film features of cast of local non-actor children. (Iran, 2004, 98 minutes.)

Set in Ghobadi's native Kurdistan, on the eve of the American invasion of Iraq, the film revolves around thirteen-year-old Soran. Known to many as "Satellite," Soran installs dishes and antennae for local villages looking for news of Saddam. A dynamic leader for his peers, the boy organizes other children to perform the dangerous but necessary job of sweeping and clearing of minefields. He then arranges trade-ins for the unexploded mines. Eventually, the industrious Satellite falls for a sad-faced girl traveling with her brother Henkov (who appears to have the gift of clairvoyance). The young siblings care for a three-year-old, whose connection to the pair is discovered only after some harsh truths are unveiled.
The devastation to this land is portrayed in the matter-of-fact perspective of its children. An exquisitely haunting mountain range backdrops these scenes of violence and tragedy; while, at the same time, the heart and humor of the film's children leaves an undeniable impression of hope for the future.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival, tel. 805.963.0023. For tix and show times click here.


Feb. 4 (Sat), 9 pm—2nd Anniversary Celebration of Club La Zeez

Saleem's Club La Zeez has been attracting Middle Eastern/world music/salsa fans for two years now, every second Saturday of the month. Celebrate the 2nd anniversary of this unique club scene with an evening of intoxicating Middle Eastern dance music, a spectacular belly dance show, raffle gifts, and appetizer delights. Free belly dance class 9:30-10:00 pm.

The Stone Bar, 5221 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 90027, between Western & Normandie.
Doors open 9:30 pm. $15 cover.

Important information about parking: There isstreet parking in the hood, but if you can't find a spot please be aware...valet parking is available two blocks from the club, either at the Jumbo Clown Room (5153 Hollywood, just across the street from Panos Bakery, east of the Stone Bar) or at the Thai shopping center at Hollywood and Hobart ave, just 1 block west of the Stone Bar (the earlier you arrive the easier it is to secure parking).

Info 323.933 .9214 ext . 2 or email Saleem. Visit the Club La Zeez web site.

Feb. 8 (Wed), 9 pm—Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian on "The Weaponization of Women's Bodies: The Case of Palestinian Women"

The subject of this presentation concerns Palestinian women subjected to colonial edicts to guard their collective's honor as well as their bodies, caught and located in the border zone between the Israeli military occupation and the matrix of their Palestinian national identities. Thus, this presentation features women voices, derived from ethnography of Palestinian women, to theorize and discuss the weaponization of women’s bodies and lives.

Weaponization refers to the ways women’s bodies are used to either "fight," "cope," "revolt," "protect," "secure" or "defend." The weaponization of Palestinian women’s bodies fosters and further secures the boundaries that separate men from women, men from men, and women from women specifically in the context of war and national and political struggle. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at UCLA.

306 Royce Hall, UCLA. Info 310.825.0590.


Feb. 8/9 (Wed/Thurs)—Santa Barbara Int'l Film Fest Screens Greek "Touch of Spice"

"A Touch of Spice," directed by Tassos Boulmetis (Greece/turkey, 2003, 108 minutes), is a story about a young Greek boy (Fanis) growing up in Costantinoupolis, whose grandfather, a culinary philosopher and mentor, teaches him that both food and life require a little salt to give them flavor; they both require... A Touch of Spice. Fanis grows up to become an excellent cook and uses his cooking skills to spice up the lives of those around him. 35 years later he leaves Athens and travels back to his birthplace of Istanbul to reunite with his grandfather and his first love, only to realize that he forgot to put a little bit of spice in his own life.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival, tel. 805.963.0023. For tix and show times click here.


Feb. 11-April 8—Tim Robbins' theatrical rendition of "1984" at the Actor's Gang Theatre Comments on Torture

Based on the novel by George Orwell, "1984" is adapted by Michael Gene Sullivan and directed by Tim Robbins at the Ivy Substation in Culver City.

Imagine a world where people fear that their opinion cannot be expressed freely, where leaders are not held accountable for their deceptions, where perpetual war is waged against an unseen enemy; a world where Ignorance is Strength, Freedom is Slavery, and War is Peace. This is the world George Orwell created more than half a century ago and its prescience of today’s world is stunning. Artistic Director Tim Robbins is directing his first production since the award winning "Embedded," in this powerful new stage adaptation by San Francisco Mime Troupe’s Michael Gene Sullivan.

This production contains brief, partial nudity and strong language.

Actor's Gang, Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd, Culver City 90232. Info: 310.838.GANG (4264). Buy tix here.


Feb. 12 (Sun), 5-7 pm—UCLA's Center for Near Eastern Studies Screens "Persepolis Recreated" Documentary and Lecture

Dr. Touraj Daryaee, Specialist in the History of Ancient Persia, California State University, Fullerton presents the documentary "Persepolos Recreated" by Farzin Rezaian.

Seized and burned by Alexander the Great's conquering army, shaken by uncounted earthquakes, eroded by 25 centuries of rain, fluctuating temperatures and scouring winds, Persepolis, the greatest of the royal residences of ancient Persia is a definitive ancient ruin.
Yet the place remains an awesomely impressive sight 2,500 years after it was built. Even today, those who step up to its gigantic terrace of 125,000 square meters and see its majestic columns are filled with a sense of awe drifting into a dream-like trance. A dream in which one tries to visualize the beauty and dazzling splendor of Persepolitan places before their sad destruction.

"Persepolis Recreated" is the name of the most recent documentary film and its companion book by Farzin Rezaian. The show follows a Q & A with the director and commentary by Professor Touraj Daryaee.

On the UCLA campus in Dodd Hall, Room 121.Tel: 310.825.1181.


Feb. 12-13 (Sun/Mon)—"The State of Israel: The Theological-Political Predicament," an international conference organized by the Center for Jewish Studies

Sun. Feb. 12: Panel 1: 1 - 4 pm (314 Royce Hall)- Limited Space Available: Chair: Barbara Herman (UCLA). Presenters: Ruth Gavison (Hebrew University), "How to Make Israel's Political-Theological Predicament Less Theological and More Political"; Michael Walzer (Princeton), "The Paradox of National Liberation"; Respondent: Nomi Stolzenberg (USC).

Also, 7:30-9 pm, "At the Crossroads: Religion & Politics in Israel, Round Table Discussion:
Moderator: Susan Laemmle (USC);pPresenters: Jack Miles (Pacific Council); Chaim Seidler-Feller (UCLA Hillel); Leon Wieseltier (The New Republic).

Mon, Feb. 13: Panel 2: 9:30 am - 12 pm (314 Royce Hall, UCLA). Presenters: Moshe Idel (Hebrew University), "The Theory of a Jewish State in the Middle Ages"; Avi Ravitzky (Hebrew University), "The Crisis of Messianic Zionism"; Matti Steinberg (Hebrew University); "The Diversity Within Islamic Fundamentalism: The 'Muslim Brothers' versus 'Global Jihadism' and 'Al-qaida'"; Respondent: Aaron Klieman (Tel Aviv & UCLA).

Also, 1;30-4 pm (314 Royce Hall), Chair: Gil Hochberg (UCLA); presenters: Moshe Halbertal (Hebrew University), "Violence, the Sacred, and the State"; Menachem Lorberbaum (Tel Aviv University), "Violence: The Sacred & the Political"; Adi Ophir (Tel Aviv University), "Back to the Sodom and Gomorrah: A New Beginning for a Postmodern Political Theology"; respondent: Kenneth Reinhard (UCLA).

This international conference brings together distinguished scholars and thinkers to address the complex relationship between religion and politics in the State of Israel. Fifty-eight years after its creation, consensus remains as elusive as ever regarding this relationship. While some Jews hold the creation of the State to be a bold step toward messianic redemption, others regard it as a decisive unmooring from religious foundations. Meanwhile, contemporary Christians and Muslims also vigorously debate the theological import of the State. Indeed, the tension between politics and theology touches upon the very legitimacy of the modern state.

Among the questions we hope to examine are: Has the assumption of power by Jews activated or compromised the theological sources of Judaism? Will the religious activism and messianic ideology of some Jews undo Israel’s quest to be both Jewish and democratic? In what ways is Israel’s struggle to define a path between religion and politics comparable to other countries in the world? Leading scholars of religion, political theory, and history will gather at UCLA to address these questions.

Feb. 13 (Mon), 7:30 pm—Screening of Oscar-Nominated "Paradise Now" With Director Hany Abu-Assad

The UCLA School of Film, Theatre, and Television presents "Paradise Now" and a Q&A with director Hany Abu-Assad to follow the screening. Read a Levantine review of the movie by May Alhassen.

Feb. 13 (Mon), 7-9:00 pm—Poet Dima Hilal and Artist Hanna Al Wardi Featured at UCI

The Middle East Studies Student Initiative kicks off their Artists for Peace week with an evening of Arab poetry and art, with Dima Hilal and the art of Hanna Al Wardi. Also, Demet deAvila reads poetry by Cahit Kulebi.

Dima Hilal is a poet and writer, born in Beirut of Palestinian heritage and raised in California, where she studied at the University of California at Berkeley. Her work has appeared in various publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Orion literary journal, Aramco, The Poetry of Arab Women: A Contemporary Anthology, edited by Nathalie Handal (Interlink Books, 2001) and Scheherazade's Legacy: Arab and Arab American Women on Writing, edited by Susan Muaddi Darraj (Praeger, 2004).

Hanna Al Wardi is an Iraqi-born painter.

Bren Events Center Berry Terrace. Click here for directions.


Feb. 14 (Tues), 7-9:00 pm—Jordanian Pianist Zade Dirani at UCI

The Middle East Studies Student Initiative continues their Artists for Peace week with Jordanian pianist Zade Dirani presenting selections from his "Roads for Peace" Tour.

Zade Dirani is a twenty-five year old Jordanian composer and pianist passionate about playing his compositions that blend Eastern Arabic scales with Western contemporary influences. Dedicated to using his music to bring people together, his efforts have resulted in his CDs charting on Billboard, prestigious awards, friendships forged worldwide, and accolades including a feature in People Magazine. While the Washington Post called Zade a "Gorgeous pianist/composer/hunk," The Washington Times said of Zade: "Jordan 's leading cultural ambassador dedicates his music to building bridges of peace and tolerance."

University Club. Click here for directions.

Feb. 15 (Wed), 6-10:00 pm—Pakistan's Salman Ahmad of Hit Rock Group Junoon at UCI

As part of the Artists for Peace Week, the Middle East Studies Student Initiative and Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Department of Anthropology, Dean of Students, Levantine Cultural Center, Society of Arab Students present Pakistan's Salman Ahmad of world famous Pakistani rock band Junoon.

The evening begins with UN High Commissioner of Human Rights: Pakistan, 6-8 pm: Movie & Discussion, then from 8-10 pm the evening concludes with a concert for Earthquake Relief at the Crystal Cove Auditorium

Feb. 22 (Wed), 7:00 pm—"Blockbuster! The 9/11 Commision Report - 1998" at Torrance Cultural Arts Center's Nakano Theatre

Following the previous sold-out American on Trial series, Works in Progress presents the original epic work "Blockbuster!", a dramatization of events leading up to the attacks of September 11 presented in four segments showing the key players and their actions year by year.

All Americans know what happened on September 11, 2001, but few are aware of the events that took place prior to the attack as detailed in the U.S. government's The 9-11 Commission Report. "Blockbuster!" makes vivid how the attack grew from concept to reality, while America and its allies attempted to fight back.

The opening segment (1998) commences with Bin Laden’s fatwa issued in February 1998 and traces the beginnings of the "planes operation" and efforts of the U.S. to understand al Qaeda and capture its leader. The segment introduces the major character groups and climaxes with the simultaneous U.S. embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
This segment features actors Navid Negahban as Ahmed Shah Massoud and Omar Adam as Haroun Fazul.

The series also includes:
Mar 29 – "Blockbuster! The 9/11 Commission Report - 1999"
Apr 26 – "Blockbuster! The 9/11 Commission Report - 2000"
May 31 – "Blockbuster! The 9/11 Commission Report - 2001"

Tickets ($15 adults, $13 students / seniors, $12 subscription) are available at the Box Office (310) 781-7171. Parking is free. For information, visit www.TorranceLive.us or call 310.618-2376.

Works in Progress is a program of the Cultural Services Division of the Torrance Community Services Department. Nakano Theatre, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance.


Feb. 22 (Wed), 7:30 pm—"Sacred Space Denied: Bethlehem and the Wall"

Dr. Fred Bush, the D. Wilson Moore Professor Emeritus of Ancient near Eastern Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary, teaching fellow in Semitic languages, teaching fellow in Hebrew, instructor in Hebrew and Arabic at Brandeis University, with extensive travels in Israel and Palestine, will discuss the impact of the separation wall on the people of Bethlehem and neighboring cities.

St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 13091 Galway St., Garden Grove 92844. Sponsored by St. Anselm of Canterbury. Info contact Lulu Emery, 714.960.1215 or Fr. Wilfredo Benitez, 714.537.0606.


Feb. 24 (Fri), 1-4 pm—UC Irvine and the UC Humanities Research Institute Host Elias Khoury, Author of Gate of the Sun

Talk, book signing and reception with the author of Gate of the Sun (Archipelago Books), a major novel about Palestinian exile, first published in Beirut in '98 to much acclaim in the Arab world, and later in Europe and Israel. It now appears in translation in the U.S. for the first time, thanks in part to support from the Lannan Foundation and the International Institute of Modern Letters. The program is cosponsored by Levantine Cultural Center and hosted by UCI Associate Professor of History Mark LeVine. This event will be web casted by UC Humanities Research Institute. For more information, contact Irena Polic, 949-824-8900.

Elias Khoury will speak at the UC Humanities Research Institute, Room 338, Administration Building, Irvine, CA 92697-3350. Click here for directions (on the Campus map, the Administration Building is marked 111, on Pereira Drive). Parking in the Student Center Parking Structure, marked PS4, corner of Pereira and West Peltason. Free to the public. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to khoury@levantinecenter.org with your name, email and phone number.

Elias Khoury

Naser Musa

Feb. 25 (Sat), 8 pm—"Gate of the Sun," An Evening of Palestinian Literature and Music: Elias Khoury Presents His Novel Gate of the Sun along with a concert of Palestinian music and song with the Naser Musa Ensemble

Elias Khoury's Gate of the Sun (Bab al-Shams) is the first magnum opus of the Palestinian saga. Through the passing of the beloved midwife of the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, the reader enters a world of displacement, fear, and tenuous hope. A realigned 1001 Nights, a makeshift doctor tells stories to his comatose friend in an attempt to keep him alive. His patient, Yunes, is also from Galilee, where he left Nahla, the love of his life. The novel unfolds at his bedside through the storyteller's intimate and haunting flights of memory. Khoury humanizes the complex Palestinian and Israeli struggle for us, shedding light on the turbulent history with love and empathy.

Khoury opens up a whole new territory, a place where "us" and "them" are inextricably entwined; he takes us on a vast odyssey of horror and love. Originally published in Beirut in 1998, the novel has been a sensation throughout the Arab world, in Israel, and throughout Europe. Winner of the Prize of Palestine in 2000 and Le Monde Diplomatique's Book of the Year in 2002.

For tix and complete info click here.


Feb. 27 (Sun.), 7:30 pm—Vestiges of a Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq

Yona Sabar discusses "Vestiges of Jewish Past in an Iraqi-Kurdistan Town - Impressions from a Recent Visit." RSVPs suggested: 310.825.5387. UCLA's 314 Royce Hall.


Volunteer with Levantine Cultural Center's Programming Committee

Bring your ideas, enthusiasm and support to the Center by participating in our Programming Committee, which cooperates with our Board of Directors in creating new arts programs in the months ahead. Visit our volunteer opportunities page. To get on the reservation list for the next meeting, email us now!


Board of Directors Seeks Community Leaders

Levantine Center's Board of Directors is continually in formation, and welcomes inquiries—we are actively searching for more people with our passion and conviction! The board consists of diverse members of the community who are of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean heritage or who have a strong professional or artistic interest in furthering our mission. As directors, board members represent the organization officially, are responsible for its financial health, and make the priority strategic decisions, with counsel from Advisory Board members where possible. Board members work with activists heading specific committes, including the Film/Video, Literary, Education Performing Arts and Membership Committees.

Our Advisory Board is also in formation. Advisory board members are known professionally in their own communities and offer valuable counsel and services to the organization; they are eligible to attend the organization's annual retreat and receive other benefits.

Please contact us at 310.559.5544.

Submit your calendar listings to our calendar editor now.


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To join/support Levantine Cultural Center, simply go to our membership page and fill in the blanks, use your credit card, or print and mail in your check for $60 or $120 or $250 annual membership dues to: Levantine Center, 5920 Blackwelder Street, Culver City CA 90232.

LEVANTINE CULTURAL CENTER
Cultures of the Middle East & Mediterranean
5920 Blackwelder Street, Culver City, CA. 90232
310.559.5544, info@levantinecenter.org

Levantine Cultural Center, founded in 2001 as a not-for-profit arts organization, advocates for, educates about, and in general promotes and supports Middle Eastern and Mediterranean contemporary arts and traditional cultures. We present or cosponsor programs of music, literature, art, film/video, publications, new media and more, often from educational and historical perspectives. While acknowledging the value of entertainment, we emphasize scholarship and substance. We are strongly multidisciplinary and non-sectarian, do not embrace any political or religious doctrine, and are committed to the principle of cross-cultural cooperation. We support the strengthening of ties between all cultural, ethnic and religious communities of the Middle East/West Asia/Levant, as well as between all peoples of Middle Eastern descent in diaspora.

 
See what Levantine Center has been up to and take note of other recent cultural events.

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