On September 11, 2010 at 7:30pm the Absolute Theatre Company with the Skyland Performing Arts Center will host a benefit concert with “Heartsong” Pam & Don McMahon with a tribute to 9/11.  This night will feature music, poetry, and the heart wrenching story of the honoree, Mr. Ali Bourequat (Pronounced Boor-ka).
 
At the first of February in 2009, Hendersonville quietly received a new resident.  He went about his way to again build a life and again start over.  Ali Bourequat arrived here from Huston, Texas.  Ali was born a French national and a Moroccan native who was given American citizenship and political asylum in 1993. In December of 1991 Mr. Bourequat was released from a secret Moroccan prison after spending nearly 19 years in detention.

 
According to Amnesty International, Ali and his two brothers were arrested in July in 1973 and were considered disappeared because they were held incommunicado in detention.  They were never tried or charged with any offense.  It is believed they were taken into custody solely on account of their father’s 1950-60’s involvement in the setting up the Moroccan counter-espionage service for the late King Mohammed V.
 
They were tortured, and received inhumane treatment. After two years they escape from the first secret prison and were caught. The result being his mother and sister were kidnapped and imprisoned as well and held for two years.  Ali’s mother was first cousin to the King.  Then in 1981, the Bourequats were transferred to a secret underground dungeon known as Tazmamart, where prisoners were forced to endure harsh and dismal living conditions.  For ten years Ali and his brothers lived in total darkness, never released from their cells and given a near starvation diet of watery sop.
 
Through the help of Amnesty International and President George H. Bush, Ali Bourequat and his brothers survived and were released, unlike more than 30 detainees who died while in custody in Tazmamart. He was taken to a secret hospital for treatment so his scars could be hidden from the world, but nothing was going to silence him.
 
Ali wrote a book called “In the Moroccan King’s Secret Garden”, published in France and America chronicling his story. He has traveled lecturing with Amnesty International.  In France he held the government responsible for complacency in his detention and soon became persona-non-grata and after fearing for his life sought asylum in America which was granted.
 
In America he built his life, but like so many Americans in these times he suffered a failed business and found himself again with nothing, and having to send his wife back to France to receive medical treatment. A friend he met while lecturing steered him to Hendersonville.
 
The Skyland Hotel, now condos and apartments, has hosted many famous people. This is where Ali met up with Kate Brighton owner and Artistic Director of the Skyland Performing Arts Center.  “It was on one of my first days at the Skyland, I saw this man of what seem like incredible sadness. I approached him and asked if he wanted to buy a ticket. “No” he said in this humble sweet way.” I was just looking around”. I asked if he liked concerts. “Yes” he said, but added quietly, “I haven’t the funds for a ticket.”  That’s perfect! I said. I need help tonight taking tickets! I had no idea then who he was or what he had been through, but our friendship grew and little by little he related his story to me. He has helped at the theater ever since”
 
If you have been to a show by the Absolute Theatre Company or a Skyland concert you have been greeted and had your ticket ripped by Mr. Ali Bourequat; author, international speaker, humanitarian, and once a prisoner of the infamous Tazmamart. Now in a show of love and support Skyland Performing Arts Center in conjunction with the Absolute Theatre Company is hosting this fundraising concert and tribute to 9/11 called: Peace From Terror.  The proceeds from this concert will help Ali bring his wife back to America and reestablish himself  here in Hendersonville.
 
Tickets to the concert are $20 and will include a light reception. Also those who cannot attend, but would like to donate or help may call the Box office. The Skyland Performing Arts Center is located at 6th and Main St. in the Historic Skyland Hotel in Downtown Hendersonville. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the Box Office, open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 or call 828-693-0087. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.thespac.org <http://www.thespac.org/> .