Femmix 2008 – Mediterranean Music
Femmix 2008 chose to concentrate on music as its medium. Music effortlessly breaks down linguistic, ethnic, social and political barriers providing a basis for shared cross-cultural expression.
The music created by the Femmix contributors, and by extension through their experience and dialog, can be recreated again and again throughout the region and elsewhere when their musical creation is shared.
The Mediterranean basin has given the world Grecian Ilariotiko melodies, North African Andalusi Nubah rhythms, Middle Eastern trills, driven Flamenco beats… and more…
Femmix 2008 will bring together a select group of women to transcend geographic borders through their music. These talented women will come together aboard a ship sailing the Mediterranean Sea, to create music together and symbolize the possibility of regional dialog. Their journey will be marked by a discourse highlighting learning and respect as well as by the production of a shared artistic project.
The Femmix 2008 cruise will conclude with a concert and musical CD for world-wide distribution. This collaborative CD will be accompanied by discussion points which can then be used to spark constructive discourse among listeners, the world over.
Why the Sea… well shifting the focus of the discussion from specific states to the Mediterranean Sea seemed like a viable means of invigorating the stifled dialog with new ideas. Steering the discussion from land to sea, where territorial borders are fluid, was a logical course of action.
Why the Arts… that's easy. With so many interesting and diverse cultures represented in the region, the most direct way to converse seems to be through art - music, dance or drama.
Why Women… when a special personal connection is formed between women in general, and especially between women who are close yet eons apart, as in the Mediterranean basin, something powerful and highly emotional occurs. This female energy can be intimate and motherly as well as burning and empowering. A vitality that pushes forward for action; that bridges gaps and hardships. These are the energies that will accompany us during the event and throughout our collaborative creation.
Why Femmix… Femmix was founded upon the heartfelt desire of two women wanting to influence the social and political realities in their home nation and among their neighbors. Reaching out to other women seemed the most direct and sensible way to do so.
