ISLAND DYNAMICS

Performing Island Identities

Music, Dance, Folk Theatre, Storytelling, and Performance Traditions

19‒21 November 2012, Gazimağusa (Famagusta), North Cyprus

Island communities are often rich in traditions, preserving elements of expressive culture and mingling foreign traditions, leading to new indigenous forms. Performance traditions are important to forming and maintaining a sense of unique identity. Whether calypso in Trinidad, dance in North Cyprus, storytelling in Ireland, Noh and Bunraku theatre in Japan, matináda poetry in Crete, Up-Helly-Aa guizing in Shetland, or fiddle music in Newfoundland, many performance traditions possess symbolic value for islands.

Through academic talks and cultural events, this island studies conference will explore how island traditions develop as well as form and maintain identity. The folklorist and fiddler Alan Jabbour will act as a keynote speaker. A major figure in American public folklore, Jabbour has been founding director of the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center and president of the American Folklore Society.

Download conference flyer.

Collaborating Partners

Center for Cyprus Studies, Eastern Mediterranean University

Center for Island Studies, Institute for Anthropological Research (Croatia)

Please e-mail expressions of interest to:

Adam Grydehøj , convenor at agrydehoj@islanddynamics.org