ChiIL Live Shows on our radar
March 11–April 7, 2019
Detour Guide
The World Premiere
Co-Produced with Stage Left Theatre
Written and Performed by Karim Nagi
Directed by Anna C. Bahow
** RUN TIME: The performance is approximately 90 minutes
with no intermission**
Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're eager to catch Detour Guide. I'll be out to review on the 16th, so check back soon. In the meantime, grab your tickets to experience Silk Road Rising's latest. In Detour Guide, Karim guides his audience with music, dance, costumes, and language, and he teaches them about the Arab World and Arab America. Come to listen, laugh, and learn.
We go to the theatre to learn about each other. As Karim Nagi says, “I believe familiarity helps people appreciate one another.”
The star of Detour Guide is an Egyptian-born drummer, DJ, composer, and folk dancer. Over the course of his career, Karim has released CDs of this unique brand of Arab House/Electronica, has become well versed in the ultra-traditional styles of Arab music, has promoted the study of Arab dance in the United States, and more. But Karim is also a teacher.
We go to the theatre to learn about each other. As Karim Nagi says, “I believe familiarity helps people appreciate one another.”
The star of Detour Guide is an Egyptian-born drummer, DJ, composer, and folk dancer. Over the course of his career, Karim has released CDs of this unique brand of Arab House/Electronica, has become well versed in the ultra-traditional styles of Arab music, has promoted the study of Arab dance in the United States, and more. But Karim is also a teacher.
When Karim Nagi plays the drums, it’s to the beat of both the bustling avenues of American metropolises and the busy streets of Cairo.
When he dances, he moves across space and genre, blending traditions and styles.
When he sings, he does so from the heart, allowing his voice to glide along the waves of emotions, and memories of contradictions, frustrations, and optimisms that come out of his immigrant experience.
Detour Guide is Karim’s musical that takes us on an alternative tour of the Arab World and Arab America. Using lyrics, percussion and an urban soundscape, master storyteller and musician Karim Nagi guides us through a social and political labyrinth, extolling the virtues of revolution, immigration, and hummus along the way.
Who is Karim Nagi?
He is a musician. He is a drummer. He is a DJ. He is a folk dancer. He is a storyteller.
As an artist, he weaves together his many talents to create a unique and captivating experience for his audience.
Karim Nagi is your guide for the world premiere of Detour Guide.
“In Detour Guide, I’m imitating the Arabic rawi storytelling style which relies on hyperbole and exaggeration, rhyme and word play,” says Karim.
For this co-production between Silk Road Rising and Stage Left Theatre Company, Karim pulls from different instrumental voices, world experiences, and the rich cultural traditions of the Arab World and Arab America to assemble a journey, an alternative guide, through some of the most pervasive social and political issues of our time.
“My agenda is to demonstrate the depth of Arab art as exemplified in music and dance. My presentations are highly participatory and entertaining. Arab culture, through the universal language of music, becomes demystified and humanized. The beauty and authenticity of Arabic music and dance serve as a convincing demonstration of the simultaneous exoticism and familiarity of this ancient culture.”
* LOCATION: Our theatre is located in The Historic Chicago Temple Building at 77 West Washington Street, Pierce Hall (lower level). It’s the corner of Washington & Clark, entrance is on Washington Street. Once you enter the building, take an elevator to the lower level. The box office is to your left as you exit the elevator. Please come up to the box office to check in and to receive your program book which will serve as your ticket to the performance.
* PARKING: If you’re driving, we offer a $10 discounted parking at WMW Park, 2 blocks west of the theatre at 172 West Madison Street. Entrance to the parking lot is at the north-east corner of Madison & Wells. Be sure to request a validation coupon from our box office.
* DINING: We have several excellent dining partners—please consider them as you make your dinner plans: Beef & Brandy (diner food) and Bella Bacinos (pasta & pizza). To learn more, visit our dining partners web page at www.silkroadrising.org/dining/
* CONCESSIONS: We will be offering concessions at the theatre and you are allowed to bring concessions purchased at the theater into the performance space. We’ll be selling bottled water, tea, and coffee; as well as sweet and salty snacks. No alcohol or outside food allowed.
* SEATING: As we offer general seating, please arrive 20 minutes prior to curtain to get your seats. The theatre is configured for riser seating. All seating is first come, first served. Late arrivals will be seated at the discretion of house management, if possible.
* SURVEY: A post-attendance survey will be emailed to you. Please help us serve you better by completing the survey within 24-hours of receiving it.
Thank you…is there anything else you’d like to learn about that is not discussed above? If so, just give us a call at 312-857-1234 x201 or email us at boxoffice@silkroadrising.org
