Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has decided to cancel the performances of the student dance company which were scheduled between August 9-12, 2014 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The decision was taken in light of the intentions of anti-Israel protesters to demonstrate against Operation Protective Edge and at the urging of the venue’s operator.
“The personal safety of the members of the dance company is the most important factor and we will certainly not compromise on that in any way. We received warnings that their participation could endanger the dancers, therefore, in consultation with the relevant parties, we made the hard decision not to send the company to the planned performances in Edinburgh,” explained BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi. “It is a shame that this is the state of affairs - where artistic freedom of expression is being sorely tested. The company has no connection to politics, but everything has become highly politicized. Considering the quality of the company, its withdrawal from the festival is a loss to all art lovers and we are dismayed at the necessity.”
After the Israeli play “This City” by the Incubator Theater was targeted by protesters, which disrupted nearby performances as well, the venue’s operator cancelled further performances until an alternate venue could be located. The group is currently performing on the street after having failed to find a hall ready to host it.
The operator of the dance company's venue expressed similar concerns fearing even more turbulent demonstrations.
La Karina | Photo Credits: Maya Kaufman
The 12 member dance company was set to perform the piece La Karina by Dedi Alofer. Ben–Gurion University of the Negev Dance Company has been exploring the language of international contemporary dance movement for the last 6 years drawing on real-life experiences to convey abstract concepts through movement.
The show La Karina is the result of the continual search for movement that combines the students’ passion for freedom of movement with their desire to create a unique signature language of movement for the company. The soundtrack combines Balkan, Ladino, Lebanese and classical music such as the Barber of Seville, alongside Greek, Middle Eastern and Flamenco-inspired Spanish music. The soundtrack helps set the scenes of the performance - the courtyards of ancient cities.
