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The
Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group
has been established since 1977 by Elie Akouri,
the teacher and choreographer of the Lebanese
Dabki dance in Australia.
Having migrated alone to this wonderful country
full of dreams and opportunities and speaking
little English, I found the language barrier
very difficult to overcome. Although I was
lucky to have secured a full time job. |
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I
had neither family nor friends yet, and planning for the
future was not as easy as anticipated.
Having
studied and researched the Lebanese Traditional Folklore.
I dedicated all my spare time and frustrations towards
the production of my first Folkloric play and
the search
for
young Lebanese migrants sharing an interest in the Lebanese
folklore.
Soon,
I had a group of 24 boys and girls and my first production,
‘ A father’s mistake’ was staged in
that same year 1973.
The play being an instant
success had brought together hundreds of non English
speaking Australian/Lebanese families who for the first
time in Australia had seen a play in their own language
which they understood. Response from the community has
reflected an intense need amongst the Australian/Lebanese
community.
Soon after, we were
asked to stage other productions that were sponsored
by different charitable associations and asked to perform
at public places for the Australian English speaking
communities. From there on I realised that there was
an opportunity for us to assist many Lebanese non English
speaking migrants to adjust to their new lives in Australia.
And thereby also promote a role model of the Lebanese
in Australia, by sharing our exotic and colourful folklore
with people of all age’s colours and cultures.
In
1977 the Cedars Of Lebanon Folkloric Group was formed.
The group socialises in teaching the Lebanese folkloric
Dabki dance to all ages and all cultures.
Click
on the links below to see what people think about the
efforts of The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group
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