Famed Palestinian folk dance groups Wishah Troupe and Baladi Dance Group will perform in Madison and Milwaukee on Sept. 7 and 8.
The two groups come to Wisconsin as part of an effort with the U.S. Palestinian Community Network and Madison-Rafah Sister City Project. Both folkloric groups are well known in Palestine through their performances of Dabke — Levitinian folk dance popular in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Palestine.
“From the Rubble We Dance” is described as emotionally moving and energetic, with deep ties to traditions in Palestine. They work to involve enthusiastic young dancers to promote Palestinian culture while broadening cultural experiences for audiences around the world.
“Coming out is a form of solidarity because the situation there, it’s not only just a political struggle, there’s a lot of cultural aspects,” said Barbara Olson from Madison-Rafah Sister City Project. “Like most indigenous struggles, they’re also fighting against appropriation and erasure of their culture.”
Wishah Troupe was founded in 2003 and gave its first performance in 2004. In its first two years, it performed at 30 camps and cities across Palestine. Baladi Dance Group started in 1991 as a continuation of the Baladi Center for Culture and Arts. The two have danced around the world and are currently on tour.
Part of the performance will be to raise funds for relief efforts. Proceeds from its Milwaukee show will go towards paying the groups and the Middle East Children’s Alliance, which sends humanitarian aid to Gaza.
At the Madison show, Palestinian embroidery, keffiyahs and various other goods will be sold to raise funds.
The two shows are expected to be different, Olson said. The theater in Milwaukee is much larger than the one in Madison, so the former will be a bit more elaborate with more space. Bartell Theatre in Madison has a capacity of 200, while Oak Creek Performing Arts and Education Center can seat 1,000. Regardless, it aims to be a spectacle of cultural heritage.
There is some uncertainty if the groups will make it to the show. Concerns over visas are in the air right now, but the plan is for most of the group members to make it.
Wisash Troupe and Baladi Dance Group will first appear in Milwaukee on Sept. 7 at the Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center, 350 E. Puetz Rd. The performance will start at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
The two will come to Madison on Sept. 8 at the Bartell Theatre, 113 East Mifflin St., at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $30.
