Please note that due to weather, this event has been moved to Sunday, July 30, starting at 6 p.m. on Independence Mall.

This hybrid documentary, variety show, and radio play, conceived by artist Michael Rakowitz, brings the Iraqi diaspora to the airwaves. The project kicks off on Saturday, July 29 with a massive live broadcast on Independence Mall (simulcast on PhillyCAM TV), the symbolic home of American democracy. Hear stories about Iraqi culture, daily life, music, and food from refugees, interwoven with animal performers and newly invented superheroes, along with the experiences of Iraq war veterans from Warrior Writers. Taste traditional Iraqi food from Amasi Restaurant, and listen to our “house band,” a tahkt ensemble playing traditional Iraqi music as well as arabized versions of American songs.

The experience will continue with a multi-episode radio show, broadcast on WPPM PhillyCAM Radio 106.5 FM and community radio stations across the country in partnership with Prometheus Radio Project—and distributed nationwide through Public Radio Exchange (PRX). For a full schedule and to download episodes, visit radiosilence.muralarts.org.

Register for this free event here. Rain date: July 30.