Jewish Songlines: Charting & Chanting the Moroccan Diaspora

A presentation by Samuel R. Torjman Thomas

When: Tue, Jan 23, 2018 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Location: 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA

In this multimedia, multidisciplinary presentation, Samuel R. Torjman Thomas explores the place of musical expression in the definition of Moroccan Jewish culture. Through discussion and live musical performance, Dr. Torjman Thomas analyzes the place of liturgical, para-liturgical, and folk repertoires in Moroccan musical life, highlighting the juxtaposition of several fundamental diasporic identities: Jewish, Sephardic, and Moroccan. The role of music has been central in galvanizing disparate micro-identities into a singular Moroccan Jewish identity, which defines homeland in modern cultural contexts. As The Magnes’ exhibition emphasizes the diversity of Moroccan Jewish life before the major emigrations of the mid-twentieth century, Torjman Thomas’ exploration of musical expression—through performance and discussion—provides an aural picture synonymous with this narrative.

Partners

This program was made possible in partnership with the following institutions/thanks to the following donors: UC Berkeley | The Music Department and UC Berkeley | Center for Jewish Studies

Gig Details

• Artist: Programs and Lectures
• Date: 01/23/18
• Time: 5:30pm
• Venue: Magnes Library, UC Berkeley
• City: Berkeley , CA
• Address: 2121 Allston Way
• Country: US
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