For many, the words “Arabian nights” conjure up images of camels in the desert and crowded outdoor markets. For members of the University’s Arab Student Union, their annual Arabian Nights event is both a celebration of Arab culture and a chance to educate the University community.
“I think that Arabian Nights is the perfect opportunity for people who don’t know anything about the Arab world and are interested or just curious about it,” Beshara Kehdi said,
co-director of the ASU.
The fourth annual Arabian Nights evening will feature renowned Arab-American comedians Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid. Arabian Nights also includes a full  dinner, as well as traditional songs and dances and a skit by ASU students. Arabian Nights will be held Sunday, May 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at McArthur Court. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Kehdi said one purpose of Arabian Nights is to address stereotypes of Arabs and
Arab-Americans.
“We see so many negative representations of Arabs in the media,” Kehdi said. “The media feeds the idea of what Arabs are, that Arabs or terrorists or whatever, and I think Arabian Nights will help people sort of break down those messages.”
Obeidallah and Zayid, who are coming to Oregon especially to perform at Arabian Nights, are well-known for tackling uncomfortable issues in their comedy, such as racial profiling and the treatment of Arab-Americans after Sept. 11, 2001.
“We thought it would be really cool to have them because with comedy you can tackle a lot of issues that you can’t with a lecture,” Kehdi said. “We want people to have a good time and to get something out of the event, too. We want everyone to come and enjoy and laugh with us. It’s OK to laugh with us, even if we’re making fun of everything.”
Kehdi originally contacted Obeidallah and Zayid through Facebook three months ago and said both comedians are excited to perform in Oregon. He hopes that the performances by students and comedians will initiate interaction between Arab students and other
University students.
“Through culture — food and dancing and music — you sort of get to know people on a different level,” he said. “It minimizes tension and lets people just enjoy the moment. I think with this event we’re bringing something to campus that isn’t represented in other ways.”
Arab Student Union co-director Matthew Hadeed added that the ASU hopes to give people
a realistic understanding of Arab culture.
“Arabian Nights is our way of bridging the gap between Arab culture and American culture,” Hadeed said. “A lot of people are unaware of Arab culture; we kind of want to give them a little taste of what it’s like.”
Admission to Arabian Nights is $5 for University students, $10 for other students and $15 for general admission. Tickets are available at the door and the
University Ticket Office.
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