LAPA to open 2024 Return Festival on March 3 with spectacular events

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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 27: As Gaza continues to face the harsh realities of war and humanitarian crises, the LOYAC Academy of Arts, known as LAPA, is gearing up for the third edition of the 2024 Return Festival. Amidst the ongoing tragedy, the festival aims to shed light on the Palestinian cause and support local artists. LAPA is set to launch the festival with exceptional performances dedicated to bolstering Palestinian cultural resistance and rebuilding cultural centers ravaged by occupation forces.

Scheduled from March 3 to March 6, the Return Festival 2024 will kick off with a monodrama titled “The Ghazal of Akka” by renowned Palestinian artist Raeda Taha. The festival will feature various cultural and artistic events emphasizing the significance of cultural resistance in the broader context of the Palestinian struggle. LAPA believes that cultural resistance, encompassing words, images, and music, serves as a formidable pillar that challenges the Zionist entity, unveils its violations, and influences global public opinion.

Throughout the festival, attendees can expect diverse performances, including a dance presentation by the “Laba” band exploring the Palestinian narrative. The “Daughters of Jerusalem” band, associated with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, will enchant the audience with a singing evening. The festival will showcase the play “The Ghazal of Acre” in two performances.

Farea Al-Saqqaf, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of LOYAC and Managing Director of LAPA Academy, expressed the festival’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. Al-Saqqaf highlighted the festival’s past success in supporting artists and announced the participation of the Edward Said Institute, bringing new dimensions to this year’s edition.

Actress and writer Raeda Taha expressed her pride in participating in the festival for the third consecutive year, acknowledging LOYAC’s support for Palestine. Taha’s play, “Ghazal of Acre,” delves into the life of Palestinian writer and activist Ghassan Kanafani, documenting the struggles and history of the Palestinian people.

The “Daughters of Jerusalem” band, led by Dr. Suhail Khoury, promises to captivate the audience with its expressive storytelling of the Palestinian revolution through music. The band’s lyrical and musical compositions, featuring oriental instruments like qanun and oud, aim to convey the themes of freedom, love, joy, and peace.

Despite the challenging circumstances faced by the Palestinian people, cultural institutions like LAPA and the Edward Said Institute continue to thrive, contributing to the global music stage and enriching the cultural heritage of Palestine and the Arab world. The Return Festival 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of cultural resistance and artistic expression in the face of adversity.

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