LIFT & Orient Productions present On The Importance Of Being An Arab

Egyptian director Ahmed El Attar places himself at the centre of his performance as he opens his personal archive of diaries, love letters, school reports, official documents and telephone conversations in On The Importance Of Being An Arab, and shows us part of his everyday life as video chapters - direct, raw and without comment.

Less interested in telling the personal story of his life under the banner of Arabic identity, El Attar is more interested exposing the political and social influences on the artistic process. This live performance has developed as an imitation of the performer’s daily language and movement patterns, constantly updated, and running parallel to his real life.

LIFT is supporting an emerging generation of theatre artists from the Middle East who are making work within the context of the tumultuous events sweeping across the region. As part of a six-year cycle of commissions and presentations LIFT begins its 30th anniversary season by taking part in Shubbak, a London-wide festival of Arab Culture, with two theatre productions from Egypt and Lebanon.

Please note: The performance on Thursday 14th will be followed by a short Q&A with Ahmed El Attar alongside LIFT artistic director Mark Ball.

The performance will last approximately 45 mins.

Presented in collaboration with LAAF11 – Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival