Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - June 22, 2010

The Off Broadway musical performance of The Spirit of Sepharad: From Casbah to Caliphate, directed by Gerard Edery and Vivienne Roumani-Denn commenced Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 7:00 PM at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York. Presented by Root One Foundation and Museum of Jewish Heritage, this astonishing, awe-inspiring musical masterpiece embarks on a historical journey of Sephardic Judiasm through traditional songs, flamenco dances, and film footages. It captures the common legacy and heritage of father Abraham with scenes from the Muslim and Christian era across Greece, Iran, Morroco, Portugal, Persia, Spain, Turkey, and Rumania. Experience The Spirit of Sepharad: From Casbah to Caliphate, it penetrates the soul!    

Traditional Spanish song "Puellae Gaditane," accompanied with flamenco dance with Gerard Edery, Barbara Martinez, and award winning percussionist Glen Velez. The Pauellae dance was popular in Rome, with its celebrated swaying and finger cymbals. Since pre-Aryan times, the meneito reached Cadiz and took root. The girls of Cadiz danced in Rome and were famous throughout the Empire. It was the dance of the Puellae of Cadiz.  

Kurdish song “Papu Soley Mani,” with singer Gerard Edery, Amir Vahab, and percussionist Glen Velez. The song lyric depicts oh beautiful, dark-eyed one, stay with me. Your glances and flowing tresses have captured me. Be mine and mine alone, I pray. I am from Kimansha and you are from Ghasr. It's not my fault if I've fallen in love with you.

Hebrew/Rumanian song “Adir Hu (Mighty is God), “ with singer Gerard Edery, dancer Barbara Martinez, percussionists Glen Velez and Amir Vahab. The song lyric celebrates G-d's many attributes after the Passover Meal. Might, glorious and honored is He. May He build His temple soon in our days.