Culture Connect

The Palestinian and Moroccan musicians performed on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, which offers free shows 365 days a year as part of the Performing Arts for Everyone Initiative. See how the musicians go from a sound check to actual performance. More: artsedge.kennedy-center.org/cultureconnect

In appreciation for their three days of intense study and practice at the Hubbard Street Dance Center, the visitors are happy to share their country’s traditional Javanese dancing with members of the Chicago dance company. Boby leads a workshop in the fundamentals of Javanese, and Retno demonstrates a routine in traditional costume. More: artsedge.kennedy-center.org/cultureconnect

After an original performance by the experimental production company The Civilians, the Indonesian visitors sit down with members of the cast and crew. The group discusses The Civilians’ mission and multidisciplinary approach to theater, which in many ways parallels Teater Garasi’s productions that often combine drama and dance. Then, the actors take a break from American theater, and embrace the opportunity to tour the Silk Road Theatre Project, a production company that showcases culturally-themed works from playwrights of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds. The Indonesian actors are able to gain some insight into a few other cultures, as well as learn how works from their home country are received in the US. Finally, the group stops by Redmoon Theatre, a non-profit theatre company with a unique approach to making theatre more publicly accessible. The company is known for its original utilization of public spaces for performances, often setting up stages in streets and parks. A company member shares photos from past productions to better explain Redmoon’s performance space choices and how they affect productions. More: artsedge.kennedy-center.org/cultureconnect

The Bolivian musicians may practice Bach and other classical music at home, but they were eager to share their interpretation of traditional Bolivian music during their performance at the Kennedy Center. More: artsedge.kennedy-center.org/cultureconnect

What happens when Turkish hip-hop dancers travel to the United States on a modern dance exchange program? Sanem and fellow hip-hop dancer, Bahadir Efe, discover the transition to modern dance is not an easy one, since the two forms are based on very different styles. Nevertheless, they rise to the challenge, knowing that the exposure to new forms and skills will help them develop their range as hip-hop dancers. More: artsedge.kennedy-center.org/cultureconnect