The Please Touch Museum invites families to celebrate the month of Ramadan with a special day of cultural programming. Enjoy a live drumming performance by Al-Bustan’s After School Arab Arts students from Moffet School, led by master percussionist Hafez Kotain. Students will showcase their drumming skills while also participating in an engaging art workshop led by teaching artist Rayan Blackenship.
One of the highlights of the event is the rich tradition of Aragouz puppetry. Dating back to the early 1900s and influenced by the Turkish Karagöz, Aragouz quickly became a beloved festive art form in Egypt. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, hand puppetry and Aragouz were iconic—appearing in children’s television programs, adult puppet theaters, and academic settings. These performances became a staple of celebrations, from birthdays to Easter and Ramadan, where puppet shows and lanterns remain cherished traditions for children.
Hafez Kotain, a master percussionist, teaches K-12 students the principles of Middle Eastern drumming, blending music theory with cultural heritage. At the Please Touch Museum, he and his students from John Moffet School will present a live performance, demonstrating the importance of rhythm, group synchronization, and the experience of performing in front of an audience.
In addition to the performance, teaching artist Rayan Blackenship will lead an interactive art workshop where participants will create Self-Portrait Puppets using repurposed materials. These mixed-media stick puppets will be crafted with cut paper, fabric scraps, and popsicle sticks, with the option to add decorative elements like yarn, chenille stems, and patterned designs. Rayan will guide participants in exploring ways to express their identity through their puppets—perhaps incorporating symbols of their cultural heritage. For instance, one puppet might hold a basil plant shape, representing the Arabic meaning of a name. Other creative prompts include:
What patterns can you incorporate into your puppet’s design?
What is your dream outfit?
If your puppet had a superpower, what would it be?
Join us for a day of creativity, culture, and celebration!