When Huda (b. 1982) and Farah (b. 1985) first met in Gaza in 1997, neither could have anticipated that their brief musical performance at the Latin Patriarchate School, also known as Deir al-Latine, would become the catalyst for a lifelong journey. Fragmented Return is a multimedia performance by Palestinian artists Huda Asfour and Farah Barqawi, blending elements of their experiences with exile and attempts at return. Through words, music, and visuals, they weave a shared narrative of lives shaped by occupation, displacement, and borders, as well as by joy, resistance, and a quest for collective liberation. Their intertwined experiences across cities such as Gaza, Cairo, and more recently Brooklyn, bring to the stage a retelling of their version of Palestinian diaspora and the constant struggle of belonging, all viewed through a critical political lens, delivered with humor and raw emotions.
All guests are required to register for this event. For those who do not register in advance, we will require registration on site with proof of ID. See registration link here: better link here: https://fragmentedreturn.eventbrite.com
This event will take place in the Rainey Auditorium at the Penn Museum on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Please enter the Museum through the fully accesible EAST ENTRANCE. If you are walking towards the museum from campus, this means walking down South Street until the furthest end of the museum, and taking a right once you approach the garages on Convention Avenue.
Please note that parking is limited around the museum, but the museum is near the SEPTA Penn Medicine Station, several bus routes, and a short walk from 30th Street Station and University City Trolley Stops.