Something out of nothing

Here are 14.5 of Ibdaa’s 18 members.

Here are 14.5 of Ibdaa’s 18 members.

The Arabic word “ibdaa” means “to create something out of nothing.” It’s a fitting name, then, for a group of Palestinian teenagers who have created a tradition of theater and dance out of their existence in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp outside Bethlehem. The 18 men and women of Ibdaa, ages 15 to 18, are touring America to re-enact the history and struggle of Palestinian refugees through traditional dance and theatrical movement. They bring their message of peace to Sacramento for one night only, on Friday at 7 p.m. The performance is hosted by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. See Ibdaa at St. Ignatius Parish Center, located at 3235 Arden Way. Call (916) 484-2860 for more information.