Appeal for Financial Support

Please Help Bring Iraqi Modern Dance Group to US

My name is Lorna Tychostup. I am Senior Editor of Chronogram magazine, a progressive monthly publication with a distribution of 25,000 in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York. I am also a freelance photographer and journalist. You can view my work at Chronogram and LornaTychostup .

I am requesting your financial support to help bring the Marduk Modern Dance and Theatre Group of Baghdad to the US for training and a tour. (View Flash Presentation)

I have been working in and/or reporting on Iraq since February of 2003. During my latest trip there this past January I witnessed the Election day courage, determination, and joy of the Iraqi people as they went out to vote amid threats of horrific violence and actual gunfire, mortar and personal bodily attacks.

During this last visit I spoke with representatives of what appears to be the only Iraqi national modern dance company. After viewing a video of their moving performances in S. Korea and Cairo, I immediately saw the enormous benefits a tour of the US could provide, both to Iraqis battered by years of the oppression under Saddam, three wars, and economic sanctions; and to Americans and others across the world who have helplessly watched their suffering. For audiences to watch this phoenix rise from the ashes, and for these dancers, who represent the very heart and soul of Iraqis everywhere, the potential for healing and understanding is enormous.

I have entered since into a collaborative effort with these dancers. Our combined vision involves creating an atmosphere between American and Iraqi performers, where Iraqis would be exposed to, and trained in, the techniques of the American Masters of modern dance, as well as the production and management of a nationwide US tour. Our underlying intention is to bring greater understanding, healing and peace between Americans and Iraqis.

Since my return to the US I have spoken with several professional dance troupes, dancers, dance instructors and a tour agent, and others in regard to this endeavor and bringing it to fruition. In each case this idea was met with great enthusiasm and offers of support.

Charles Reinhart of the internationally accclaimed American Dance Festival has offered the entire Marduk dance group space at ADF's 6-week summer program which runs from June 9 to July 22, 2005. Livia Vanaver of the well-known NY-based, international Dance and Music Company - The Vanaver Caravan, has offered to train the dancers in the various techniques of dance, stage production and management and act to as an advisor for touring the Company. In addition, Susan Slotnick of the Figures in Flight Dance Company has generously offered scholarships to all members of Iraqi dance company to her summer American Masters camp program where they will be exposed to the dance techniques of Russian Ballet, Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, and Paul Taylor to name a few. Yoav Kaddar, of the SUNY New Paltz Theatre Arts Dept. had also offered to help.

At this time what is needed is startup seed funding to pay for the costs of bringing and sustaining the Assistant Director of the dance company to the US to prepare and lay the groundwork for this project. In addition, there is also the cost of the visas ($100 for each dancer’s application) and other expenses associated with their preparations to travel.

Checks can be made out to:

Marduk Dance Fund
9 Foxwood Road
New Paltz. NY 12561

Thank you so very much for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Be well and in peace,

Lorna
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