RFS X Q'IWA CABARET

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultural expression at the Refugee Festival Scotland! From mesmerising dance performances by Nancy Ahmar, rooted in Bellydance and Latin dance, to the soul-stirring poetry of Noon Salah Eldin, exploring themes of migration and motherhood, our event celebrates diversity, empowerment, and resilience. Join us for a captivating showcase of artistic talent, featuring singer Malay's evocative melodies and Katrina of the Orient's boundary-pushing drag performances. DJ 3MR will keep the energy high with his vibrant beats, ensuring a night of joy and connection. Plus, indulge in Sumag's delectable plant-based cuisine, inspired by Iraqi and SWANA flavours, during the break. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of art and community!   

Doors open at 19:00.

The show starts at 19:30 for the first half.

There will be a break at 20:30.

The second half begins at 21:00.

The show ends at 21:45.

Doors close at 22:00.

sliding scale ticket price:

£10 Generous Donation

£8 General Admission Ally

£7 QTIPOC General Admission

£5 Low income Ally

£4 QTIPOC Low Income

Free for refugees and asylum seekers

Access information: 

The venue has stepless access and is all on one level. There is no dedicated disabled toilet in the venue itself, however there is one further in to the ECA building (if you continue down the hall right from the entrance through 2 doors).

The show is mostly seated, with floor space in the front row and standing room towards the back. If you need a seat for accessibility reasons, DM us and we can reserve you one.

Travel: The closest bus stops are Chalmers Street and Lauriston Building, both within 3 minutes walk of the venue. There is disabled parking available.

Nancy Ahmar Mexican dance artist and performer. Her dance is rooted in Bellydance and Latin dance. Her artistic work focuses on representing her cultural background and embodiment of female expression and empowerment through dance, pointing up the sense of belonging as a migrant and the feeling of being comfortable in her own-coloured skin and body.

Malay is a queer transgender woman of colour residing in Scotland. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in architecture at the University of Strathclyde. She engages in various forms of art such as singing, dancing, and painting.

Noon Salah EldinYour host of the cabaret she’s Poet and spoken word artist based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Born and raised in Sudan, she moved to the UK in 2015 to pursue postgraduate medical training in child health. Writing and performing poetry has become an increasingly important part of her life. It has empowered her to process and discuss experiences of childhood traumas, political upheaval, migration, and motherhood. She believes that art can be a powerful tool for personal and social transformation and has been asked to share her poems by governmental, NGO, and civil-society organizations.

Katrina Of The Orient Hailing a drag queen from Egypt and raising hell in Germany, Katrina of the Orient slays the stage with her boundary-pushing performances. This sex-positive queen doesn't hold back on dreaming big about revolution while keeping it real with her attitude and sass.

 3MR is an artist DJ, and co-curator of Q'IWA events in Scotland. He first came to the UK as a refugee fleeing persecution in his native country. He arrived with hopes of freely expressing his authentic self without fear for his safety. Amr has worked as an organizer for diverse cabaret shows and culturally vibrant club nights. Under his vision and direction, these events have become some of the few safe spaces for people of colour in Scotland. 

Luna of Sumag offers a plant-based culinary voyage inspired by Iraqi and SWANA flavours. Sample light finger foods, each crafted with care and passion, telling tales of tradition and cultural fusion. Whether you're a foodie or an adventurous soul, come join us for an unforgettable gastronomic journey celebrating diversity and community.