Special event
Arabia Late
Friday 9 March, 18.00–21.00
Great Court
Free, just drop in, some events ticketed on the night
Recommend this event
Come to the British Museum for a special evening featuring a great line up of free activities, ideal for all the family.
Explore the Museum’s collection, take part in these fantastic events and enjoy Arabian refreshments with friends – there is something for all ages and activities are free, just drop in.
- Listen to traditional oud music by Ahmed Mukhtar in the Islamic world Gallery and the Al Farabi ensemble performing classical Arab Sufi music in the Great Court.
- Be entertained with humorous tales from award-winning storyteller Alia Alzougbi, accompanied musician Manuel Arroyo-Kalin, looking at the special place such stories would have held in the journey of a pilgrim hundreds of years ago.
- Watch the premiere of Labbayk (‘I am here’) presented by Silk Roads, an expression in movement and music with fabric.
- Enjoy an excerpt from Khayaal Theatre Company’s award winning production of ‘Conference of the Birds’, an original interpretation of classic Muslim world literature.
- Try on costumes and headdresses from the tribes of Saudi Arabia and have your photograph taken in a ‘virtual studio’ created by the Mansoojat Foundation.
- Have a henna tattoo painted on your hand, make and decorate your own Islamic prayer beads and unique silk yo-yos and design beautiful paper compasses using patterns from Islamic objects in the Museum’s collection.
- Practice Arabic calligraphy using traditional tools, techniques and materials with calligraphers Soraya Syed and Mustafa Jafar.
- Hear Raja Alem give a reading in Arabic of The Night of the Gazelle (Qais) with English interpretation by Fleur Montanaro from the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.
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Products
Magnetism. Photogravure etching. 2011. © Ahmed Mater.
- Learn about the British Museum experience of Hajj in a talk by Dr Seán McLoughlin and join winners from Arabia Offscreen as they present an alternative narrative on the fascinating kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Listen to street-artist Mohammed Ali describe his fusion of graffiti art combined with Islamic script and see the display of a traditional Mahmal, created by Camden community groups.
- Join Wajid Hussain for a poetry writing workshop, suitable for newcomers and keen writers alike, followed by a performance of works produced during the evening.
- Add your own journey to a world weave map, creating a unique art installation, and bring along your own pilgrimage mementos and share your stories with others.
The exhibition Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam is open until 21.00 with last entry at 19.50, tickets available in advance or on the night. Tickets to the exhibition are £12, Members and children under 16 get in free.