By Kamil Shilala, KUNA,
Sydney : Sydney’s Blacktown Arts Centre hosted the visiting Sufist “Almadhin” troupe, which performed at the Casula Powerhouse in cooperation with Al-Resala School, chanting and swaying to spiritual rhythm to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
The troupe mesmerized the Islamic community and the Australian people alike with their performance, as they toured more than 30 cities across the country including high schools and universities.
Almadhin troupe came together in Syria 20 years ago, to begin a wonderful success story as they traveled across the world.
Blacktown Mayor Leo Kelly said the community was inspired by the Sufist troupe, noting that the Australian people were aware of the depth of Islamic and Arab culture and heritage, but noted that this was sometimes misinterpreted among westerners.
On his part, Powerhouse technical director Nicolas Tsoutas said that it was a unique experience for people who belonged to different religions, expressing Powerhouse’s pleasure for hosting such an event to celebrate the Muslim holy month.
University professor Deborah O’Neil said that such event and performance was an ideal way to bind society members and open new educational horizons where it forged ties between people and introduced them to each other.
Another university professor, Daley Leah, said that she never experienced such an enlightening performance that allowed the Australian audience to let go of their misconceptions and lift the boundaries that separated them from other cultures.
Meanwhile, “Almadhin” troupe chief Ahmed Mazarzaa told KUNA that music was an international language where sometimes you did not have to understand the word in order to feel other people’s emotions, noting that their spiritual music could be interpreted through free will.
He said that one of their performances was held at a Catholic school, adding that a girl there said she was leaving with a pleasant impression about Islam.
As for Al-Resalah School Director Ali Roude, he told KUNA that the spiritual music had a positive impact on all listeners who attended the event and boosted the idea of a united culture.
Meanwhile, Nada Roude, an official at Al-Resalah school, told KUNA that the gesture was in response to the growing need for creating opportunities for more dialogue and partnership between religious and non-religious groups with the community in order to spread peace and harmony.