Thread: New DVD - Ibrahim Farrah

NEW DVD RELEASE: IBRAHIM FARRAH NEAR EAST DANCE GROUP PERFORMS THE ZAR DANCE; Originally released in 1981 as a half-hour video cassette under the title AMERICAN ARABESQUE, it profiles the Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Group and features insightful interviews with Mr. Farrah and members of his company. Scenes of the company in rehearsal are also shown. The highlight of the DVD is a fully-staged and costumed performance of "Bait el Zar " (HOUSE OF ZAR) This DVD is the only commercial footage available of Mr. Farrah performing with his dance company. In addition to the original half-hour video, 40 minutes of Bonus Features have been added to the original production. It includes conversations with Ibrahim Farrah and some other company members and is overlayed with photo images, and video clips. Added to this material is a brief interview and clip of Nadia Gamal on the Zar, as well as images of the Near East Dance Group repertoire, Excerpts of footage from an actual zar ceremony from Egypt have also been included in the special features to show the difference between it and Ibrahim Farrah's theatricalized version. The DVD now runs approximately 70 minutes. A booklet written by Barbara Siegel (Habiba) and edited by Nina Costanza is also included in the package. For ordering information, email Phaedra@phaedradance.com

I highly recommend this wonderful new DVD "The Zar Dance." I am so glad I have this in my dance library. I found this to be very educational, informative, and inspiring, as well as enjoyable and entertaining. The music and dancing got my involuntarily up off my comfy bed dancing and singing and chanting throughout the day! Levanah

I purchased this at Rakkasah, but haven't had a chance to view it yet. I leave for a week in Ireland tomorrow, and plan to watch it when I get back - I'll post a review then!