Hakima – Bukjeh

Hakima, meaning Wise Women in Arabic, is a deeply moving performance that tells the untold stories of home, loss, and exile by women who have lived through war. Rooted in African and Middle Eastern traditions, this intimate work brings together poetry, music, and storytelling in a powerful, sensory experience that pays tribute to mothers, survivors, and the silent strength passed through generations.  

In this special celebration of resilience, experience the remarkable talents of vocalists Aseel Tayah and Mohamed Omran, poets Rania Ahmad and Manal Younis, and drummer Basma Ibrahim as they remember, resist and heal through music that transcends borders.

Whether you’re moved by music, drawn to human stories, or seeking art that truly connects, Hakima will stay with you long after the final note. 

Bukjeh is an award-winning arts and storytelling organisation founded by Palestinian-Australian artist Aseel Tayah. Named after the Arabic word for the bundle carried by the displaced, Bukjeh brings together artists from refugee, First Nations, and marginalised communities to share stories that are too often left untold stories of home, exile, memory, and resistance.  

Their moving work A’amar enjoyed a sold-out season at Sydney Festival 2024, where it resonated deeply with audiences, not just as a performance, but as a shared space of remembrance and connection. From the kitchen to the stage, from lullabies to protest songs, Bukjeh weaves lived experiences with music, poetry, movement, and food to create bold, intimate works that speak across cultures and generations.  

Recognised with the Green Room Award and the Excellence in the Arts Award, Bukjeh is not just an ensemble, but also a living archive of voices reclaiming space, holding grief with grace, and making art that heals and unites.