The Arabic Language Student Association’s Arabian Night is bringing an authentic taste of Middle Eastern culture to Ohio University Thursday.
The annual event is meant to celebrate and promote awareness of Arabic culture from West Asia and North Africa, said Loren Lybarger, adviser for Arabic Language Student Association and assistant professor of classics and world religions.
“Students know about Arabic culture from what they hear from the news, which is primarily war driven,” he said. “Here is another perspective, and it’s going to be fun.”
The Arabian Night held a series of smaller events such as a belly dancer and flute player in previous years. But, this year, the group wanted to do something bigger, said Michael Lupsa, president of the Arabic Language Student Association and a senior studying communications.
Nazareth Restaurant & Deli, an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant based in Columbus, will cater the evening for the first time. Salaam, a North African and Middle Eastern band from Bloomington, Ind., will perform at the event.
“We decided that we wanted to remove any sort of political or stereotypical events from the event and focus on a real representation of Arabic culture,” Lupsa said. “We want to promote enjoyment without stereotyping.”
The evening will also include cultural performances from Egypt, a presentation on Morocco, a traditional Omani dance by visiting Omani students,and a Lebanese dabke similar to a line dance, said Chelsea Flener, secretary of the Arabic Language Student Association and a junior studying political science.
Each performance will be incorporated in a narrative about Ibn Battuta, a famous Arab explorer.
“We wanted to expose people to cultures that they aren’t normally exposed to,” she said.
The International Student Union and Arts for Ohio are funding the evening.
While informative, the event will also be an eye-opening and fun experience, Lupsa said.
“Today’s world is constantly bombarded with messages that make us think people are sinister,” he said. “It is refreshing to show a new view.”
ao007510@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: Arabian Night 2012
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bromley Dining and Banquet Hall
Admission: $5
