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ADIRA Drag Festival | Curation | 2024

The term "ADIRA", is a slang term in Arabic used in the Levantine queer culture, signifying someone with a strong presence who is capable and accomplished. Scheduled for June 8th, 2024, at Club Gretchen in Berlin, and poised to be the first-ever Arab* drag festival, ADIRA Drag Festival is an anti-orientalist drag and Arab*-pop music festival that stands as an engaged platform reflecting on the links between drag artforms and the popular cultures of/ from the Arabic speaking region. At the heart of ADIRA is a commitment to reclaiming narratives and showcasing the diverse talent of Arab* drag artists, providing a platform for artists to authentically express themselves and explore the intersection of culture, identity, and artistry. The festival pays an homage to Arab* pop music from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s, evoking nostalgia and providing a safe space for Arab* queer community, as well as Drag enthusiasts from Berlin and beyond. As attendees mark their calendars for June 8th, they also commemorate the fourth anniversary of Sarah Hegazi's passing, a reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity within Arab* queer communities. With the support of Fonds Soziokultur e.V. and Musicboard Berlin. *Note: Arab denotes inclusivity of diverse identities and ethnicities within Southwest Asia and North Africa.

ADIRA Party | Event | 2023 - Present

"ADIRA" is a slang term in Arabic used in the Levantine queer culture, signifying someone with a strong presence who is capable and accomplished. ADIRA is a queer Arabic-pop party series. Founded in 2023 by Lebanese artist Hassandra and Syrian-German podcaster Zuher Jazmati, aka. xanax_attax, ADIRA is a self-organized club night series that challenges orientalist stereotypes and embraces the vibrant diversity of queer Arab* identities. Our mission is to revive the nostalgia of 80’s, 90’s, and early 00’s Arabic-pop music, paying homage to iconic divas like Nawal El Zoghbi, Haifa Wehbe, and Assala, alongside the unforgettable one-hit wonders from Melody Hits. As a collective, we have been dedicated to curating community events, panels, drag shows and workshops that aim at strengthening the community as well as provide more space for individuals to grow. ADIRA provides a platform for both emerging and established Arab* talents in Berlin and beyond, whether they're DJs spinning beats or drag performers captivating audiences. We are committed to creating a safe(r) environment and fostering community connections, welcoming allies and lovers of Arabic music to join us in our celebration of Arab* culture. Come dance with us under the neon lights as we redefine club culture, one beat at a time. *Note: Arab denotes inclusivity of diverse identities and ethnicities within Southwest Asia and North Africa.

2024

2023

Utopia | Make-up | 2023

Lie Ning 2023

Clash | Exhibition | 2023

Exhibition

Tammūz | Performance | 2024 / 2023 / 2022

Main, Main, Who’s There? | Make-up | 2023

At Sophiensaele

Fucktopia | Make-up | 2023

DJ Fuck Off 2023

Wohin | Theatre | 2023

Ballhaus Prinzenallee 2023

2022

Lazarus | Film | 2022

Lazarus

2021

2019

3M0T1NG| /n3tw0rk1ng | Make-up | 2022

Uferstudios

Planet Lubunya | Theatre | 2022

Ballhaus Ost 2022

Lila Lied | Performance | 2022 - 2021

Schwuz 2021 Ballhaus Prinzenallee 2022, Kleist Forum Frankfurt (oder) 2022

Sissy That Talk | Make-up | 2022

2022

Bicho Raro | Make-Up | 2022

Sophiensaele 2022

Shall I Compare You To a Summer’s Day? | Film | 2021

Berlinale 2021

Migraaanten! | Theatre | 2022 - 2021

Ballhaus Prinzenallee 2021-2022

Mx. Kotti | Drag Pageant | 2019

SO36 2019 *winner

Queer Arab Barty | Curation | 2019

2019

Hassandrat's artistic endeavors serve as documentation of their journey as a queer Lebanese artist in the diaspora. Through a mix of movement, drag, and storytelling they create performances that unfold as intimate recollections on stage. Their work aims to promote visibility, creating a communal experience that directly addresses the shame experienced by many queer Arabs*. Beyond the spectacle, Hassandra’s body of work functions as a necessary act of queer archiving. They dedicate their practice to the profound pursuit of healing. The recurrent theme of their relationship with Lebanon raises introspective questions about the nature of home and the possibility of having multiple homes or none at all, emphasizing the importance of community in this ongoing exploration.

Artistry

Hassandra's narrative weaves personal stories with inspirations from Greek mythology's female figures and medieval dramas. Their courage to share vulnerabilities on stage, reconciling uncertainties, and establishing an archive resonating with kindred spirits illustrate a commitment to authenticity and connection. Hassandra's art becomes a vital instrument of survival, characterized by a unique blend of satire, gravity, discomfort, and levity. Their drag performances navigate gray areas to critique and reclaim facets of existence, employing humor and gravitas harmoniously. Hassandra's reinterpretation of characters traditionally cast as witches, such as Medea, Lady Macbeth, and Mary Magdalene, serves as a powerful vehicle for recounting personal narratives and challenging patriarchal norms. The artist employs these characters to voice their own story alongside those of their mother and sister, using the past as a lens to confront the conservative backdrop of their upbringing.

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