Hamburg hosted the third Arab Cultural Festival from 4 to 10 June 2007. It was a joint project of the Asia–Africa Institute at the University of Hamburg and the Hamburg Museum of Ethnology. Events included a photography exhibition from the Gulf states; a staged reading with video projections, dance, singing and Middle Eastern music; a lecture by Prof. Dr Udo Steinbach; Arab cookery; a children's programme; a lecture on Arabic literature; and an Oriental dance performance.
A standout example was the staged reading of Khalil Gibran's “The Prophet”, accompanied by video projections, dance, singing and Middle Eastern music. Director Aneta Barcik impressed audiences with her skilful combination of the different elements. The text was spoken in German and sung in Arabic, with music, video and dance providing accompaniment. This brought Gibran's book, full of wisdom about life, closer to everyone through its reflections on life, death, love, joy and pain.
The varied programme was well received throughout, and the organisers were highly satisfied with the response. Audiences were particularly impressed by the way different subjects came together in one coherent concept, offering something for everyone.
