The Tulsa Folkloric Dance Theater takes to the stage again this July with "Café Aman: The American Dream."
Show times are July 2nd and 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
TFDT has staged a performance every summer for several years as part of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center's SummerStage Festival. This year's show wraps up the "Café Aman" trilogy, which began in 2007 with the story of Stelios. He owned and operated the café, a magical place inhabited by the Spirit of Dance, and dancers from around the world came to perform, inspired by their muse. Stelios became enchanted by a statue of a Greek Goddess, and actually fell in love with her... to his wife's dismay. Eventually, the statue comes to life, as does their love.
The happy ending doesn't last, however, as in "Café Aman 2009," Stelios' jealous wife has him thrown into an insane asylum and closes down the café. Only through his memories of the fabulous dancers does Stelios manage to maintain a grip on reality. Eventually, the Goddess returns to him, and leads him to freedom once more.
In "Café Aman: The American Dream," the story picks up after Stelios' death. He leaves behind a letter for his daughter, begging her to keep his café alive and provide a home for the Spirit of Dance. She sets out for America, the land of new beginnings and great opportunities, to try and make her father's dream come true.
Produced by TFDT under the leadership of Artistic Director Shadia Dahlal, "Café Aman: The American Dream" will feature dances from Ireland, Spain, China, India, Greece and the Middle East, as well as musical performances by the Ghawazee Mafia, a band which features middle eastern percussion fused with western rock influences.
Tickets are on sale now at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Call 596-7111 or
click on the Tulsa PAC website to order. Early birds will save $2 per ticket if they purchase them before July 1. We recommend purchasing tickets early, not only to save money, but because this show often sells out.