Taking the long view of history in the Middle East and North Africa, David Harris, artistic director of Voices of Sepharad, is intent on showing us that the many cultural and religious groups who have shared this region for thousands of years do in fact possess a long tradition of being good neighbors.

In response to the strife that presently racks the region—in large part due to religious fundamentalism and cultural intolerance—and the relentlessly bleak depiction presented by the media, Harris’s new work, Peace in the House, strives to portray these groups on more a personal, human scale. “We think in very negative terms these days of the inter-personal relationships of those living in the Middle East because it’s become such a flash point for violence and hatred,” says Harris. “But historically, many people of different faiths have lived together peacefully and intimately came to know each other’s way of life.”

Working with an ensemble of actors, dancers, musicians and production team that reflect these various cultures, Harris is walking the talk when it comes to initiating a dialogue. “This production will not just talk about intercultural dialogue, we’ll be living it,” says Harris. “Every person in the show represents some aspect of these cultures and will be empowered to bring their voices forward in the show's creation.”

Peace in the House Press Release 06 (PDF)

May 2004 Press Release and FAQs (PDF)