On Friday 11 December 2020, our finale of Celebrating Syria 2020 ended with a live DJ set from Hello Psychaleppo and Boshoco. These two extraordinarily talented DJ's with huge performances, albums and awards under their belts performed rhythms deeply rooted in Arabic music tradition but with a poignant, contemporary twist. Thank you all for tuning in.
On 10 December 2020, we were thrilled to have five of the funniest Arabs in the UK for a night of virtual, but real, comedy and the event was SOLD OUT on ZOOM! It was an event of pure giggles and audience truly enjoyed it.
So who are they, really?
And Celebrating Syria festival goes on... although we are more than halfway through! On Wednesday 9 December 2020 we had the opportunity to virtually meet Antonio Tahhan, food blogger and writer, talking to us from the US, yes the US, about food, culture and identity. It was a wonderful conversation with Antonio on food, culture, and identity.
On 8 December 2020, we welcomed Itab Azzam, co-director of We are not Princesses, for a Q&A about this engaging and woefully accurate documentary that follows four Syrian refugee women take part in a creative theatre workshop whilst in a refugee camp in Beirut. It was a highly engaging discussion with Itab.
On 7 December 2020, we were ecstatic to welcome The Pianist of Yarmouk to Celebrating Syria 2020. Aeham Ahmad played some of his finest pieces of music and told us about his experiences in Syria, where oppression meant that no one could think, write, or play music freely. It was a beautiful night!
