Maqamat Dance Theater, in the framework of the 13th edition of Beirut International Platform of Dance (BIPOD), honored Abdel Halim Caracalla and presented him the 2017 Award for Life Achievement during a ceremony held at Sursock Museum, under the patronage and in the presence of the President of the Council of Ministers H.E. Mr. Saad Hariri.
The ceremony was attended by the minister of Culture, Dr. Ghattas Khoury, former minister Dr. Tarek Mitri, Dean of the Honorary of Consular Corps, Mr. Joseph Habis, the founder of Maqamat Dance Theater and BIPOD artistic director Omar Rajeh and BIPOD co-artistic director Mia Habis, as well as personalities, friends and the media.
Rajeh
The event was presented by media anchor Mr. Yazbek Wehbe and was followed by the speech of Omar Rajeh where he said: “We have launched the Award for Life Achievement, based on our strong belief in this country and its people and because we look forward for a better future. It is also the reason why Maqamat Dance Theater took the initiative to launch one of its largest projects since 2002, CITERNE BEIRUT, a new creative performing art space that will present local and international contemporary dance performances, music concerts, theatre productions, and other forms of the arts.”
He then explained: “CITERNE BEIRUT is a reservoir for our ambitions and imagination, a space for creativity, art and experimentation. A living and breathing space that initiates, creates and changes.”
Rajeh added, “Remarkable people such as Abdel Halim Caracalla inspire us to always aim and reach higher especially that he succeeded in introducing and establishing dance in the Arab world” and concluded: “We owe it to him in awakening the human in us throughout his values, cultural mentality and creativity.”
A documentary on Caracalla was showcased during the ceremony, followed by a word by poet Talal Haidar who highlighted the role of Caracalla in promoting culture and dance creativity worldwide.
Hariri
Speaking afterwards, Hariri noted that “Abdel Halim Caracalla’s contribution is not only dedicated towards this noble art called dance, but rather to the development of our country”.
“I am privileged to be here tonight honoring this creative artist, because in this ceremony we are celebrating our country’s potentials and driven energies, a further evidence and ultimate proof that this country shall prevail ignited with peace, beauty, production and mobility,” Hariri pointed out.
Caracalla
Caracalla stated: “Today we are witnessing a unique, one of a kind adventure led by Omar Rajeh and Mia Habis”, and he added: “I am proud of you Omar. You have always been distinguished among your colleagues, but I have never imagined how much beauty lies within you and your ambition.”
He concluded: “You have paved the way for contemporary dance, which is an integral part of civilization and its evolution, and now have an important role in developing and promoting talent through art.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the award to Abdel Halim Caracalla by H.E. Saad Hariri and Omar Rajeh, in recognition of his relentless artistic & cultural achievements.