The annual Hullegeb Israeli-Ethiopian Arts Festival returns to bring a bit of sunshine to a chilly Jerusalem!
This year (2017) it will be held from 6–28 December at various locations in Jerusalem, including the Confederation House, the Jerusalem Theater, the Gerard Behar Center, the First Station and the Yellow Submarine.
Hullegeb means “open to everyone/everything” and the festival is dedicated to creations by artists of Ethiopian origin in the fields of dance, music and theater. This unique outlet for the Ethiopian Israeli community reflects the depth and variety of their culture – from traditional to contemporary. Its dialogue with the surrounding Israeli culture can be seen in the wide range of performances presented at the festival along with its minor influences from Western and African art.
This celebration of Israeli Ethiopian arts is a bridge between new and old and the Ethiopian and the general Israeli communities.
This year’s festival includes a closing performance bringing together three virtuosos: Abate Barihun, Yair Dalal and Yossi Fein, who will perform their songs in surprising new arrangements; a special evening with Tezeta, the first Israeli-Ethiopian music ensemble of its kind; performances by Strong Black Coffee; Aveva Dese and Ground Heights; a dance performance by the Beta Troup; standup comedy; and a new original production by the Hullegeb Theater Ensemble.
For a full list of events and times, click here.
Here’s a taste of what to expect…