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The
Cedars of Lebanon
Folkloric Group
has been established
since 1977 by Elie
Akouri, the teacher
and choreographer
of the Lebanese Dabki
dance in Australia.
Having migrated alone
to this wonderful
country full of dreams
and opportunities
and speaking little
English, I found the
language barrier very
difficult to overcome.
Although I was lucky
to have secured a
full time job. |
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I
had neither family nor friends
yet, and planning for the future
was not as easy as anticipated.
Having
studied and researched the Lebanese
Traditional Folklore. I dedicated
all my spare time and frustrations
towards the production of my
first Folkloric play and
the search
for
young Lebanese migrants sharing
an interest in the Lebanese
folklore.
Soon,
I had a group of 24 boys and girls
and my first production, ‘
A father’s mistake’
was staged in that same year 1973.
The
play being an instant success
had brought together hundreds
of non English speaking Australian/Lebanese
families who for the first time
in Australia had seen a play
in their own language which
they understood. Response from
the community has reflected
an intense need amongst the
Australian/Lebanese community.
Soon
after, we were asked to stage
other productions that were
sponsored by different charitable
associations and asked to perform
at public places for the Australian
English speaking communities.
From there on I realised that
there was an opportunity for
us to assist many Lebanese non
English speaking migrants to
adjust to their new lives in
Australia. And thereby also
promote a role model of the
Lebanese in Australia, by sharing
our exotic and colourful folklore
with people of all age’s
colours and cultures.
In
1977 the Cedars Of Lebanon Folkloric
Group was formed. The group
socialises in teaching the Lebanese
folkloric Dabki dance to all
ages and all cultures.
Click
on the links below to see what
people think about the efforts
of The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric
Group
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