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Yemenat
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yemenat
In the Red Square
In the midst of the Red Square, at the heart of Moscow, you find yourself enveloped in a fantastical world, narrating wonders that surpass your modest imagination, despite its authenticity. Your imagination, which could not conceive the scene you now stand upon, witnessing with your own eyes, leaves you hesitant to believe, immersed in astonishment, even though it is real and certain. I appeared to myself as one who had lost their mind under the shock, unable to distinguish between the reality of the moment and the void. I ask myself, gaping in disbelief at what I see: Am I truly here, or not? Is this world before me, surrounding me in every direction, indeed a tangible reality as I perceive it, or merely an unfounded illusion with no basis in truth? It is a scene I had never envisioned before, and I remain reluctant to accept it. This is another world, shockingly different from the one I came from or had grown accustomed to. Imagine suddenly being transported from your remote village, still pleading for rain from the heavens while paying dearly for the precious money you earn through toil, to a civilization that causes rain to fall precisely when and where it desires. It is a vast contradiction between a country whose people pray for rain while, in reality, it imports wheat from lands where its inhabitants do not pray for it. This is the cultural shock, the immense disparity between your village, lost in the forgotten corners of the Earth, and the heart of Moscow, the capital of the mighty Soviet Union. It is a contrast that encompasses all wonder. As I wander through the Red Square, awestruck, my gaze shifting amidst the dazzling sights, I find myself thinking: I can envision Isra and Mi'raj, or a flying carpet, or the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, or the jinn who have transported me from my simple, familiar world to this realm brimming with magic, beauty, and marvel. I can imagine that I rubbed a ring or Aladdin's lamp and summoned that giant, who emerged colossal, adorned with amulets and necklaces upon his powerful neck and muscular arms. I can also picture him bald, save for a thick tuft of hair atop his head, tied and cascading down his broad back. I can envision the giant spreading his vast arms, lowering his head, and saying to me like an obedient servant: 'Your wish is my command… We are at your service… Ask and wish.' So I wish to be taken to this enchanting world where I stand now, gazing wide-eyed. Thus, I began to imagine what transpired and what I have become now. From the overwhelming shock, reality appeared as a dream. Such is how things can sometimes flip when we cannot believe them, overwhelmed by astonishment. Here, the grandeur and magnificence make you feel as though you are living a legendary life filled with wonder. Everything here captivates your eyes, snatches your memory, then returns it to you, now holding all your observations and amazement, what you have seen that you do not know, and will not forget, remaining in your memory until you perish. The colorful domes, the architecture, the towering and imposing walls, the towers in all their forms, the church with its nine domes, the Kremlin, Lenin's mausoleum, the tomb of the unknown soldier, the eternal flame, the main store of the city, the cobblestone streets, the ancient fortresses, the royal palaces, the state museum, and everything that whispers: 'History passed through here.' The Red Square, the pulsating heart of the capital, the most famous gathering of cultures from around the world, filled with carnivals, parades, love, weddings, and special festive atmospheres. Pilgrims come to Lenin's mausoleum from every nation and corner of the globe. Here lies the Kremlin, the official seat of the Soviet government. Here is the capital of a superpower that holds the world's fate in its hands, sharing its influence with several great nations, possessing the means to destroy the world ten times over. Here, one can understand what the Sudanese student who jumped from the tenth floor in Moscow said before his suicide, inscribing on the famous vodka bottle: 'Clear as tears… Strong as Soviet power.' The only thing that diminished the strength and majesty of that power was the black market and the ailing economy, as revealed by the fluctuation of the dollar. Where the dollar is priced at 75 kopecks at the state bank, we exchanged it on the black market, through a friend, for three rubles, if my memory serves me right. That day, I felt that this power was not as strong as it seemed, that its economy was suffering greatly, and its health was far from well. * * * We arrived at the Red Square in our ceremonial green military uniforms, adorned with bright stars on our shoulders, attracting attention. Many gazes from passersby and those standing in the square were directed at us. At first, we thought our magnificent attire was the reason for their stares, believing its distinctiveness caught their attention. We noticed some looking at us, whispering to each other, leaving us uncertain about what they were saying! Yet their smiles suggested that something about us sparked amusement, perhaps even laughter at times! Confusion draped over us as curiosity was piqued. We took our position in the long queue leading to Lenin's mausoleum. A number of girls nearby were whispering and glancing at us, then giggling, while we were absorbed in our bewilderment. One of them asked us, a smile gracing her lips: 'Which country are you from?' We replied, 'From Yemen.' Another said, 'You are quite young, yet you hold high ranks.' We were even more surprised and explained, 'This star on our uniforms signifies the rank of second lieutenant, awarded upon graduation from the military academy.' Before our translator could relay our answer, a third girl, her curiosity evident, inquired: 'Are you the sons of princes?' Our bewilderment deepened, astonished by the question! While they all laughed, the translator clarified, revealing the reason. The star we wore, equivalent to theirs, indicated a major rank in their army. Their laughter faded, while our laughter erupted upon understanding the reason, dispelling the confusion that had nearly suffocated us. Now, as I write this, our laughter feels like tears. We mocked the reality that prevailed, even nicknamed Yemen 'the land of a million colonels,' deriding the rampant distribution of ranks as gifts, rewards, and bribes, outside the law and regulation. Today, military ranks are handed out like fruit. All the powers of the de facto authorities in Yemen compete to bestow these ranks upon their followers and supporters. You can find numerous individuals who have not completed middle or high school holding the rank of colonel or brigadier. You could also find an equal number of underage children bearing the rank of major or lieutenant colonel. 'Oh, what a mess!' And it is even worse to find some promoted within days, weeks, or months. In this age of chaos, dominated by warlords and de facto authorities, where what remains of our state is disintegrating, the world has every right to laugh at us for a thousand years, witnessing ignorance in Yemen wearing significant military ranks, observing our naïve children being granted heavy military titles and herded like cattle into the furnace of war. We stood by the eternal flame and the tomb of the unknown soldier, witnessing the meticulous changes in the guards occurring every hour. We concluded that everything here is executed with utmost precision. It is a symbolic representation reflecting the state, with its disciplined and highly accurate protocols. You see the soldier standing steadfast, as if made of wax, not even blinking or moving a muscle during his duty. Your curiosity urges you to touch him to verify whether he is a real soldier or crafted from another material, but your mind and surroundings hold you back from doing so. We visited the museum and saw various statues and figures, including a small bust of Lenin that his wife, Krupskaya, claimed in her lifetime was the most accurate depiction of him, as if he were truly there. Lenin, a man I admired, albeit with some reservations—there is no sanctity for anyone. We waited in a long line until we finally glimpsed Lenin lying in a glass coffin, dressed in his elegant clothes. As you pass by him, just a few meters away, you try to scrutinize his details, finding nothing amiss in his form or appearance.
L'Orient-Le Jour
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanon, UAE, KSA, Jordan... Our selection of cultural events to attend this weekend
When every weekend blurs into a never-ending scroll of flyers, exhibitions, and underground gigs, having too many options can feel a lot like having none. That's where we come in. Starting today, L'Orient Today is teaming up with The MYM Agenda to guide you through the fray. Every Thursday, we'll handpick the cultural happenings across the Middle East that are actually worth your time, whether it's a Beirut book launch, a rooftop concert in Amman, or an experimental film screening in Tunis. Consider this your weekly shortcut to what matters in the region's buzzing cultural scene. Starting Thursday, the city of Ehden (in Zgharta) kicks off its annual "Ehdeniyat International Festival," giving everyone a chance to run away from the sweltering Beirut heat and take refuge in North Lebanon's evergreen mountains. Famed pianist Guy Manoukian will be there to christen weeks of performances by local and international artists like Abeer Nehme and our moms' favorite, Kadim al-Sahir. You have until August to catch Caracalla's rendition of 'One Thousand and One Nights,' a story as iconic as the dance crew on stage. Known for their ruthless attention to detail and commitment to perfection, their dancing promises to transport you through each tale's endless twists and turns. Catch them at Theatre Caracalla, Horsh Tabet. For tickets and details, click here. This weekend in Al Quoz, Dubai, Ayyam Gallery's multimedia exhibition "Wavering Hope" continues to explore the different facets of Syrians' collective trauma. How do 14 years of civil war and decades of cruel rulers impact a people? And in the aftermath of conflict, is there space for hope? The 12 artists on display try to answer these questions and make space for optimism, no matter how fragile. For details, click here. In the same neighborhood, artist Nazgol Ansarinia is bringing you the streets of Tehran with her exhibition "Instruments of Viewing and Obscurity" at Green Art Gallery. Ansarinia zooms in on Iran's urban sprawl and Brutalist architecture, turning them into points of departure through which to question state and social control, in a world where the house is an extension of the body and the window that of the eye. This month, Ithra, known as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, is hosting its annual July festival, offering a program packed with something for every age and interest. When it's too hot to do anything else, skip the beach and catch the children's activities this week, or pick up a chessboard, paintbrush, or calligraphy pen to create your own fun. Check the full program here. If Ithra's too much of a drive, Al-Ula in Medina Province is offering an equally immersive experience of exhibitions, shows and activities sprinkled around the city, so you never run out of things to do. And if somehow nothing entices you, strolling through the larger-than-life naturally formed sculptures in the desert landscape would be enough to keep you occupied. Check the full program here. This weekend, painter Laila Shaw's "Voices from Gaza" continues to take center stage as part of the artist's reflections on her homeland's violent destruction. Shaw invites us to walk along the walls of Gaza, through layers of graffiti, political slogans and symbols of resistance, building a landscape of resistance as emotional as it is visual. What once represented the cornerstones of where she lived are now being used as calls against erasure and exile. The exhibition is on display at the Contemporary Art Platform, Shuwaikh Industrial, Kuwait. For details, click here. In its first weekend at Orfali Art Center in Amman, Jordan, painters Ashtar Nasralla and Hiba al-Lami explore people's connections with each other and nature, and how the two are often interchangeable. Though the paintings are faceless, they still lure you in to feel the bond of the figures standing behind the blue and green trees; a feeling both experimental and human. Cairo's landmark Mashrabia Gallery is welcoming back artists, new and old, who have shaped its journey and turned it into a hub for local contemporary art. Their exhibition is not a retrospective but rather a new beginning in a genre that is always evolving.
The 961
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The 961
Caracalla Just Added More Dates For 'One Thousand and One Nights' & You Def Don't Want To Miss It!
If you missed it the first time, here's your chance. Caracalla Dance Theatre is bringing back its hit show One Thousand and One Nights for a longer run this summer, with 12 extra performances added to the schedule. The show kicks off Friday, July 4 and runs through Friday, August 22 at Theatre Caracalla in Horsh Tabet, Sin El Fil. The production is a reimagining of the classic Arabian Nights tales – but with Caracalla's signature twist. Think dramatic choreography, vivid costumes, and that larger-than-life storytelling they're known for. It's an experience that mixes fantasy with heritage, and it just works. If you've been to a Caracalla show, you know what you're in for. If you haven't, you're in for something special. The performance blends East and West in a way only Caracalla can pull off. It's theatrical, powerful, and rooted in Lebanese and regional culture. The kind of production that leaves a mark. Caracalla Dance Theatre isn't new to this. The company was founded back in 1968 by Abdel Halim Caracalla, and has since become one of the biggest cultural names in the region. Over the years, they've toured some of the world's most iconic stages and brought Lebanese dance theatre to international audiences. Their unique style blends Martha Graham-inspired movement with traditional Eastern dance, creating something that's very much their own. Tickets & Info 📍 Location: Theatre Caracalla, Horsh Tabet – Sin El Fil 📅 Dates: July 4 to August 22, 2025 🎟️ Tickets: Available through Theatre Caracalla Lebanon's cultural scene is alive and thriving, and Caracalla's summer run is one of the highlights.
Web Release
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
'Scheherazade' Revives Her Legends in a Majestic Orchestral Performance at IXSIR
At sunset on July 10 and 11, the hills of Ixsir will transform into an open-air stage for two magical evenings. More than a concert, this orchestral performance offers a fully immersive artistic experience—where every detail becomes part of a sweeping narrative of beauty and myth. Inspired by the enchantment of One Thousand and One Nights, the performance is conceived, designed, and conducted by Lebanese-Armenian Maestro Harout Fazlian. It brings East and West into harmony, blending oriental instruments with Rimsky-Korsakov's iconic Scheherazade (1888)—a masterpiece of the Russian school known for its vivid orchestral storytelling. Under the summer sky, the all-female Firdaus Orchestra – a pioneering initiative by ExpoCity-Dubai dedicated to empowering women through music – will take the stage with 26 professional musicians. With delicate artistry, they will weave melodies and tales into a singular moment suspended between mountains and vineyards.
Sydney Morning Herald
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Winter might be setting in, but there's still plenty to do
For those who love the great outdoors, winter can be a challenging time. Fortunately in Melbourne there are always plenty of options when it comes to the arts and culture. Scheherazade Hamer Hall, June 2 For a transcendental start to your week like no other, join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's 'quick fix at half six' on the first Monday of June – a 75-minute performance that kickstarts with excerpts and insights from the conductor before a work is performed in full. On this night in question, the conductor is Hong Kong-born, internationally renowned conductor Elim Chan and the work is Scheherazade, a symphonic suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888 and based on One Thousand and One Nights. First Voices Showcase Iwaki Auditorium, June 4 Celebrate the culmination of one of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's most exciting artist development programs, the First Voices Composer program, at this showcase event. Hear the premiere of works by Jaadwa composer, producer and sound artist James Howard and Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri and South Sea Islander multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Nathaniel Andrew, performed by musicians of the MSO, in an evening that celebrates the vital contribution of First Nations artists to the ongoing vitality of the orchestral sector. Noongar violinist, violist, composer and conductor Aaron Wyatt will conduct and present on the night. The Birds Malthouse, until June 7 Forever immortalised on film by master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, Daphne du Maurier's chilling thriller The Birds has been adapted into a stage production at Malthouse Theatre. Directed by Malthouse's former artistic director Matthew Lutton and brought to life by playwright Louise Fox, the one-woman show stars Paula Arundell – one of Australia's most compelling stage actors – in an unforgettable tour de force. Armed with individual headsets, theatregoers are thrust into an adrenaline-fuelled soundscape of flying feathers and murderous swoops as relentless, supernatural birds attack a coastal town. Chinese Textile Donations from Tyon Gee Museum of Chinese Australian History, June 8 This one-of-a-kind event will unveil a beautiful capsule collection of Chinese garments donated by Tyon Gee, an early Chinese migrant who moved from Guangdong to Sydney in 1939 with her husband and two children. Her story and wardrobe reflect the resilience and cultural heritage of Chinese Australians in the 1930s, highlighting the tension at the time between tradition and assimilation and the preservation of cultural roots. It's a special opportunity to explore history through fabric, fashion, and migrant-led storytelling.
