Latest news with #ThePeacock
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
5 Greater Bay Area shows and concerts in June 2025 to see, from Broadway musical to dance
Fancy catching the many big acts that are taking to the stage in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other Greater Bay Area cities? Advertisement Launching this month is the Post's curated list of coming performances, all within easy reach of Hong Kong, with a focus on those likely to appeal most to an international audience. 1. Yang Liping's The Peacock Dongguan Magnolia Theatre will stage Yang Liping's 2022 dance drama The Peacock. Yang, a celebrated contemporary dancer from China's Bai ethnic minority group, rose to fame in 1986 for choreographing and performing The Spirit of the Peacock. The Peacock weaves together light and shadow and a rich tapestry of movement to create a surreal and visually breathtaking world. The performance captures the peacock's essence – the bird's agility, pride, delicate grace and resilience – while delving into profound themes of life, love, and liberation. Dates: June 6-8, 2025 Advertisement Venue: Dongguan Yulan Grand Theatre, Hongfu Road, Dongguan, Guangdong
Gulf Weekly
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Bridging the Gulf
The Bahrain Businesswomen's Society is set to launch its third annual art exhibition today, May 22, at the Safeya Ali Kanoo Hub, under the patronage of National Arts Council member Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, bringing together works by 12 Bahraini artists and four guest artists from Kuwait. The showcase, titled Wasl, which means 'connection' in Arabic, explores artistic and cultural ties across the Gulf, highlighting women's creativity, regional heritage, and innovation in visual storytelling. 'This exhibition is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of our members and promote the value of art and culture,' the society's board member and economic and cultural committee head Manar Sirriyeh told GulfWeekly. 'In its third edition, Wasl features a total of 16 artists whose work celebrates intellectual innovation and creative exchange. 'It's a powerful step in strengthening Bahrain's cultural identity.' Participating Bahraini artists include Amina Hasan, Aysha Akbari, Fatemah Al Dilawer, Safeya Kanoo, Nawal Al Sabbagh, Salwa Al Moayyed, Noor Al Sairafi, Latifa Al Shaikh, Fareeda Bader, Rand Alkishtaini, Waheeda Al Doy, and Badriya Abdulrahman. They are joined by Kuwaiti artists Amira Ashkanani, Ibtesam Alosfour, Dr Jamila Salem, and Dr Abeer Alkandari. Amina, a member of the Society and contributing artist, is showcasing two paintings: The Peacock, symbolising elegance and inner strength, and a piece depicting a traditional Bahraini folk dance. 'Art is a personal journey of discovery and expression,' she added. 'In this exhibition, I present two artworks that are close to my heart.' Meanwhile, Rand's contributions include functional art pieces – handmade palm straw table lamps – and a vibrant, playful painting highlighting the regional symbol of the palm tree. 'My pieces in the exhibition explore the theme of connection through both functionality and cultural symbolism,' she added. 'The Tala table lamps are designed with a sustainable approach, using natural palm straw to highlight the artistic idea behind the small palm tree, called 'Tala' in Arabic. 'This piece connects nature, tradition, and modern design, emphasising how sustainable materials can foster a deeper bond with our environment. 'The painting reflects a joyful, childish style with vibrant colours that evoke energy and positivity. 'The palm tree, a familiar plant in our region, symbolises growth and resilience, further reinforcing the idea of connection to nature, community, and cultural roots. Noor's work, from her Chromaflora series, uses flowers as metaphors for memory and identity. From Kuwait, Amira brings two paintings under the title Love of a Woman, drawing on themes of beauty and femininity through decorative and abstract styles. 'I always draw inspiration for my artwork from women and their interests in beauty, colour, and symbolic expression,' said Amira, a veteran artist and former art education supervisor in Kuwait's Education Ministry. 'Wasl is a beautiful opportunity to share my work in a regional context and connect with fellow artists.' Organisers say the event represents a growing commitment to supporting female artists and fostering a thriving arts scene in Bahrain. 'Our society believes in the power of culture and creativity to inspire and empower,' said the society's president Dr Fatima Al Kooheji. With themes ranging from tradition and heritage to identity, sustainability, and abstraction, the exhibition is a vibrant testament to the artistic links being formed across the Gulf. It welcomes visitors of all ages to experience this celebration of regional creativity and women's voices in art. The exhibition will be inaugurated today at noon and run daily from 9am to 9pm until May 28.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Calls to stop Kent pub being converted into mosque
Plans to convert a Victorian pub into a mosque has ignited a debate among residents. A charity has applied to change The Peacock in Gravesend, Kent, into a mosque six months after a similar application was denied. The pub closed its doors for the final time on Jan 1 last year after being bought by the Al-Haqq Academy charity, having been on the market for four years. It wants to transform the pub into a mosque with community and religious services, including a prayer hall, a food bank and a youth club, but the plans have prompted concern among the town's residents. Few pubs left 'Pubs in the borough need better protection from redevelopment,' one said. 'Too many pubs have been lost to fires, demolition and unsuitable conversion. The few pubs we have left need to be protected as assets of the community to prevent further loss. 'Pubs are still viable business when run well and with the right landlord.' Objecting to the first application last year, another resident said: 'Not needed [in] this area – too busy and we don't need a mosque or Islamic centre. 'They already have two mosques, why do they want a third.' Other common issues included traffic, parking and noise in refurbishing the 'beautiful historic landmark'. Another said: 'It would be a great loss to see the namesake of Peacock Street removed and the grand peacock bird sign changed.' One concerned resident said the town was 'falling apart' after the closure of many shops and pubs in recent years and that a mosque would be 'detrimental' and the 'last thing' needed in the area. Gravesham borough council refused proposals to change the pub into a mosque by saying it would be 'inappropriate'. There had been 23 objections from residents who said the conversion would be a 'great loss' for the community, amid concerns around parking, noise pollution and others who pointed out separate Muslim places of worship in close proximity. There have been 23 objections from residents who say it would be a 'great loss' Despite more than 100 supporting comments, the council decided there had been 'insufficient evidence provided to justify the loss of the public house in this location'. Now, months after initial refusal, Al-Haqq has rekindled its efforts to turn the building into a mosque. In its latest proposals, Al-Haqq said: 'There is a justified locational and functional requirement to provide a place of worship that meets the needs of the local Muslim community. 'It is a sustainable development which will secure the long-term social and cultural needs of the place of worship in the community and reduce the need for travel elsewhere.' There have been 14 objections to the new proposals and 10 in support, as of Tuesday afternoon. 'The use of the premises as 'a building of social infrastructure' is not being lost,' the document continued. 'Rather, it is being replaced by another building of social infrastructure that serves the local community.' In updated plans, meant to address the council's concerns, the charity said prayer timings would depend on the season, with Fajr starting at 4.30am in summer and 7am in winter and Isha at 10.50pm and 7.30pm. The religious school, known as madrasa, would be held between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays and 9am and 12.30pm on weekends, if approved. It added that the change would not cause an under-provision of public houses as there are nine alternatives less than a 10-minute walk away. The planning, design and access statement explained that, according to the 2021 census, there are 3,326 Muslims living in the borough. But there are only two mosques, the Central Mosque and Shah Jalal Mosque, which are said to be 'operating beyond capacity', which has caused issues with overcrowding and traffic. In September, a separate application from Al-Haqq Academy was approved to convert the first and second floors of the former pub into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO). A decision on the new application is expected by June 23. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
