Roots of al-Andalous

It’s hard to imagine these days, but during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived together peacefully in a region that extended from North Africa to Spain. What’s more, they colluded to create medieval Andalusia, an intellectual and tolerant society that lit up the Dark Ages of Europe with rich food, art, music, and dance. The peace was too good to last, of course, but at least someone thought to save the dances. Renowned Algerian dancer Amel Tafsout joins the Jawaahir Dance Company’s Cassandra Shore to recreate the sensual and expressive dances of the Andalous period (1239-1402), accompanied by music from Morocco and North Africa. Expect a gorgeous set from local Saudi Arabian-born artist Hend al-Mansour. 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-340-1725; www.southerntheater.org