Donald Sutherland, star of ‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘The Hunger Games’, dead at 88

Donald Sutherland, star of ‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘The Hunger Games’, dead at 88
Donald Sutherland and his wife Francine Racette attend the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 22, 1975. (AFP)
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Updated 20 June 2024
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Donald Sutherland, star of ‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘The Hunger Games’, dead at 88

Donald Sutherland, star of ‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘The Hunger Games’, dead at 88
  • Known for his unconventional looks and his versatility as an actor, Sutherland played a wide range of memorable characters
  • Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in ‘Backdraft,’ called him ‘one of the most intelligent, interesting and engrossing film actors of all time’

Donald Sutherland, one of Canada’s most versatile and gifted actors, who charmed and enthralled audiences in movies such as “M*A*S*H,” “Klute,” “Ordinary People” and “The Hunger Games,” has died at the age of 88.
The actor, whose lengthy career spanned from the 1960s into the 2020s, died on Thursday, his son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, said on social media.
A tall man with a deep voice, piercing blue eyes and a mischievous smile, Donald Sutherland switched effortlessly from character roles to romantic leads opposite the likes of Jane Fonda and Julie Christie. He also played his share of oddballs and villains.
One of the biggest stars in Hollywood in the 1970s, he remained in demand for film and TV projects into his 80s. Known for his unconventional looks and his versatility as an actor, Sutherland played a wide range of memorable characters.
These included a rascally Army surgeon in “M*A*S*H” (1970), a quirky tank commander in “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970), a small-town detective in “Klute” (1971), a stoned and libidinous professor in “Animal House” (1978), a local official facing an alien presence in “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978) and a despairing father in “Ordinary People” (1980). He won a new generation of fans with his glorious portrayal of a despotic president in “The Hunger Games” (2012) and its sequels.
“I wish I could say thank you to all of the characters that I’ve played, thank them for using their lives to inform my life,” Sutherland said in his speech accepting an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement in 2017.
Kiefer Sutherland said his father was “never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly.”
“He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived,” Kiefer Sutherland wrote on X.
Donald Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in Canada’s New Brunswick province, and was raised in Nova Scotia. He performed in school productions in college, moved to Britain to hone his craft, then moved to the United States, where his first big break came as a member of a top-notch ensemble cast in the war film “The Dirty Dozen” (1967).
He rocketed to fame three years later playing nonconformist surgeon Hawkeye Pierce in director Robert Altman’s Korean War satire “M*A*S*H” (1970). The film — later spun off into a TV series — depicted hijinks at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, tapping into the anti-war sentiment among many Americans during the Vietnam War era.
Also in 1970, Sutherland starred alongside Telly Savalas and Clint Eastwood in “Kelly’s Heroes” as Sergeant Oddball on a mission to steal gold from the Nazis.
The following year, he was paired with Fonda, one of Hollywood’s luminaries, in “Klute,” and then in 1973 played a grieving father in “Don’t Look Now” that included a sizzling sex scene with Christie. “Klute” sparked a romance with Fonda, with whom he was active in the anti-Vietnam War movement.
His 1978 films could not have been more different. In the uproarious comedy “Animal House,” Sutherland played a professor who sleeps with the girlfriend of a fraternity member. “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” was a successful sci-fi remake of a classic 1956 original, telling the story of alien pods that take over human beings.
Sutherland’s performance in “Ordinary People,” Hollywood superstar Robert Redford’s directorial debut, helped the 1980 film win four Academy Awards, including best picture. Sutherland starred alongside Mary Tyler Moore and Timothy Hutton in this exploration of the splintering of a Midwestern family.
In the 1990s he appeared in films including “JFK” (1991), “Backdraft” (1991), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992), “Outbreak” (1995), “A Time To Kill” (1996) and “Instinct” (1999) and won an Emmy Award for his performance in the 1995 HBO TV movie “Citizen X.” In the 2000s, he appeared in the acclaimed “Cold Mountain” (2003) and “Pride & Prejudice” (2005).
In the “Hunger Games” films in the 2010s about a dystopian future in which teenagers are sent into a deadly competition as mass entertainment, he reveled in playing the villainous President Coriolanus Snow.
“The reality was he had a country to run. At least he was running it, which is more than you can say for some people,” Sutherland told the Los Angeles Times in 2017.
“It was funny at the beginning with ‘The Hunger Games’ to walk through an airport and suddenly you feel this tug and you look down and it’s some young person — always a girl, never a boy,” Sutherland said. “And her mother is standing there and they say, ‘Could you take a photograph with my daughter?’ And we’d be standing beside each other and I’d be looking at the camera and the girl would say, ‘Could you look mean?’“
Tributes to Sutherland came in across Hollywood and Canada on Thursday.
Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in “Backdraft,” called him “one of the most intelligent, interesting and engrossing film actors of all time.”
Sutherland had “incredible range, creative courage & dedication to serving the story & the audience with supreme excellence,” Howard wrote on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking to reporters in Nova Scotia, said Sutherland “was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft and truly, truly a great Canadian artist.”
Sutherland was considered among the best actors to never receive an Academy Award nomination for any of his roles. He was married three times and had five children, including Kiefer.


Abu Radah and the musical heart of Riyadh’s carpet market

A beloved figure in Souq Al-Zal, Abu Radah is known for sharing his love for vintage sounds among locals and tourists alike.
A beloved figure in Souq Al-Zal, Abu Radah is known for sharing his love for vintage sounds among locals and tourists alike.
Updated 11 November 2024
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Abu Radah and the musical heart of Riyadh’s carpet market

A beloved figure in Souq Al-Zal, Abu Radah is known for sharing his love for vintage sounds among locals and tourists alike.
  • How one man’s passion is bringing Saudi musical history to life in Souq Al-Zal

RIYADH: In Riyadh’s bustling Souq Al-Zal the air is filled with the scent of spices, vibrant colors of traditional goods, and the echo of timeless melodies.

Amid the stalls of woven rugs and antiques, Abu Radah’s corner stands out. Known for his collection of records an cassettes, and his boundless passion for folk music, he has become a beloved figure in the market, sharing his love for vintage sounds with locals and tourists alike.

Rows of old-school cassette tapes evoke memories of simpler times, a reminder of the analog age preserved at Abu Radah’s stall in Souq Al-Zal. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“I work with folk art. It’s my passion,” he told Arab News. “I love folk art; artists like Fahd Al-Saeed, Bashir Shannan, Essa, Taher, and all the folk artists, including Mohammed Abdu and Talal, all Khaleeji and non-Khaleeji music.”

For over two decades, Abu Radah has nurtured this passion, turning it into a collection that speaks to the soul of Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall.

• His corner is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history.

His stall, adorned with colorful rugs and surrounded by retro radios and speakers, is a treasure trove of music that resonates with Saudi heritage. “Honestly, I’ve been passionate about it since I was young. I started collecting records when I was around 17 or 18,” he said. “I used to get them from Abu Wahib, may he rest in peace, in Helat Al-Ahrar.

Abu Radah’s stall showcases a vibrant collection of vintage radios and speakers, inviting passersby to explore Saudi Arabia’s musical history. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“Little by little, I collected records, tapes, silencing devices, recorders, musical scales, and classic recordings. It became a hobby and a routine for me, thank God.”

Visitors to Abu Radah’s stall can explore everything from rare vinyl records to cassette tapes, all carefully organized across tables covered in colorful textiles. “(I have) some rare records, like Bashir Shannan’s album ‘Al-Barih Yom Aindak.’ It’s hard to find, as well as the classic Fahd Al-Saeed records. These are collector’s items,” he says with pride.

A selection of vinyl records featuring classic Western artists, demonstrating Abu Radah’s diverse collection that appeals to both local enthusiasts and tourists. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

His dedication to preserving this musical heritage has made his stall a magnet for enthusiasts.

“Honestly, Bashir Shannan, may he rest in peace. He’s my favorite artist,” Abu Radah added, reflecting on his connection to the music.

His collection also includes international names. “I have records of Michael Jackson and other international artists. I got them because we receive tourists, and some might prefer non-Arabic music.”

A visitor inspects a vinyl record at Abu Radah’s stall, capturing a moment of nostalgia amidst the treasures of Riyadh’s Carpet Market (Souq Al-Zal). (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

This blend of local and international records makes his stall a fascinating stop for tourists. “Tourists enjoy it here. We even had an American tourist who loved it when I played a Michael Jackson record, and it became a trending moment,” Abu Radah recalls with a smile.

Souq Al-Zal, known for its antique treasures and traditional crafts, has evolved in recent years, attracting a new generation eager to reconnect with their roots. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a surprising role in this resurgence.

Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall. Young Saudis and international tourists now flock to the market, eager to meet the man behind the music and experience his one-of-a-kind collection.

Abdullah Al-Sheqair, known as Shalgm, is another familiar face in the market who has spent eight to ten years there.

Shalgm admires how the market has evolved, crediting social media and the country’s leadership for revitalizing heritage. “Social media has boosted the market, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision has rejuvenated heritage. Previously, items like traditional coffee pots sold for little, but now they have high value. Back then, only the elderly were in this trade, but now both youth and elders are involved.”

According to Shalgm, the number of tourists has increased significantly, bringing fresh energy to the market. “Now, we have an increasing number of tourists visiting. They participate in auctions and enjoy the music with Abu Radah. Everyone’s happy,” he said.

Shalgm also holds a deep admiration for Abu Radah’s dedication to music. “Speaking of Abu Radah, he’s been a fan of Bashir for over 20 years … he is one of the nicest people in the market, even kinder than I am,” Shalgm added, highlighting Radah’s well-known generosity and warmth.

As the day winds down in Souq Al-Zal, the sound of Abu Radah’s records continues to echo through the market, creating an atmosphere where music bridges generations and cultures.

For those who pass by his stall, it is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history, brought to life by a man whose love for music is as timeless as the records he cherishes.

 


‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience

‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience
Updated 11 November 2024
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‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience

‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience
  • Work of 17 artists showcased to coincide with G20 Summit in Brazil
  • Honors our past, says Mona Khazindar, advisor at Culture Ministry

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission will inaugurate “Art of the Kingdom,’ the country’s first traveling contemporary exhibition, at the historic Paco Imperial building in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this week.

The exhibition from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12 runs under the theme “Poetic Illuminations” and seeks to offer international audiences a look at Saudi Arabia’s evolving contemporary art scene.

The exhibition from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12 runs under the theme “Poetic Illuminations.” (Supplied)

Launching to coincide with the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, “Art of the Kingdom” features the work of 17 artists, each representing a range of generations and styles, with mediums spanning paintings, installations, and video art.

The artists featured are Sara Abuabdallah, Ghada Al-Hassan, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Ahmed Mater, Emy Kat, Ayman Zedani, Shadia Alem, Nasser Al-Salem, Manal Al-Dowayan, Lina Gazzaz, Muhannad Shono, Sarah Brahim, Daniah Alsaleh, Faisal Samra, Filwa Nazer, Moath Alofi, and Ahad Al-Amoudi.

The “Art of the Kingdom” show will travel to Riyadh in early 2025, where it will be showcased at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in the JAX district. At the end of the year, it will be presented at the National Museum of China in Beijing.

Launching to coincide with the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, “Art of the Kingdom” features the work of 17 artists. (Supplied)

Mona Khazindar, advisor at the Ministry of Culture, in a written response to questions from Arab News, stated that the exhibition “is a testament to the profound impact that art has on our understanding of history, culture and community.

“It not only honors our country’s past and collective memory, but also demonstrates the dynamic role art plays in connecting us to our shared identity, inspiring creativity and dialogue for generations to come.”

Curator Diana Wechsler, in her response to questions, said “every exhibition must open new horizons for its audience, offering an experience of discovery and challenging habitual thinking.

The exhibition from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12 runs under the theme “Poetic Illuminations.” (Supplied)

“Exhibitions, to me, are also experiences of knowledge. This is especially important here, as this exhibition is the first to showcase a group of contemporary Saudi artists abroad.

She added: “The exhibition is the result of extensive research from which its central themes emerged. I visited many artists, most of them based in Saudi Arabia, and engaged in deep conversations about each artist’s creative experience.

“It was an immensely stimulating journey for me, and I hope this exhibition provides viewers with a similar path of understanding through its selected works.”

Through “Art of the Kingdom,” the museums authority aims to empower Saudi artists by highlighting their work globally. (Supplied)

Wechsler chose Nasser Al-Salem’s “Arabi/Gharbi” (“Arab/Foreigner”), with its large neon Arabic script, to both open and close the exhibition.

Wechsler explained: “This piece offers viewers both a question and a clue: what does this neon signify? It creates a symbolic boundary between the contemporary Saudi experience and the cultural framework of the audience.

“Through each piece, the exhibition unfolds like a revelation — a poetic illumination — exploring various facets of a captivating culture where past and present, tradition and transformation, are interwoven.

“Arriving at the end of this journey and encountering Al-Salem’s neon again, I imagine the audience will see it differently, their horizons broadened by the journey they have taken.”

Through “Art of the Kingdom,” the museums authority aims to empower Saudi artists by highlighting their work globally. It also seeks to establish the nation’s presence in the global art landscape, and foster cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue.

Launching to coincide with the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, “Art of the Kingdom” features the work of 17 artists. (Supplied)

The exhibition centers on two primary themes: the desert as a symbol of vastness, infinity, and life’s depth, and the singularity of Saudi cultural traditions as seen through the evolution of visual culture.

Artist Muhannad Shono said: “As Saudi Arabia now invests in its arts and cultural expression, and strives to invite the world in, it’s important that this cultural dialogue does not flow in one direction, but to also reach outwards in an honest and equal exchange of ideas with the world.

“My role is to continue to express and imagine, not only in my country but beyond its borders … bypassing the perceived lines that separate us and divide.”

Artists Sara Abu Abdallah and Ghada Al-Hassan, a mother and daughter team, are presenting a collaborative piece.

In a joint written response, they said their work, “Horizontal Dimensions,” explores “intergenerational complicity, the notion of home, urban transformation, and shared dreams and visions, bridging personal history with contemporary dialogue.

“As mother and daughter, we have always shared a creative bond, and this project allowed us to combine our voices and artistic visions to express something greater than the sum of its parts.

“By presenting this work at such a significant exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, we hope to contribute to the global conversation on cultural exchange and the evolving narratives of our region.”

 


Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor
Updated 08 November 2024
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Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor
  • She became the youngest certified instructor at the age of just 11
  • Assere now tutors students of all ages

MAKKAH: After qualifying at just 11 years old, Reman Assere officially became Saudi Arabia’s youngest calligraphy instructor.

Her journey started in fifth grade, sparked by a school activity. She began with basic exercises but, with continuous practice and self-learning through platforms such as YouTube, she steadily refined her skills.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Her ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy, believed to be the earliest example of a universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Once qualified, she was registered on the Ministry of Culture’s official platform, Al-Khattat.

What truly set her apart and caught people’s attention was her relentless dedication to learning. Even during vacations, she practiced tirelessly, seeking out special events and connecting with other calligraphers.

FASTFACT

Reman Assere’s ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy.

Now aged 15, Assere told Arab News that her professional training was carried out under the guidance Shurooq Al-Harbi. She also highlighted the pivotal role played in her development by Prof. Siraj Al-Omari, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental.

Today, Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style.

Reman Assere

However, her journey has been far from easy. A lack of calligraphy institutes in her native region of Abha posed considerable challenges and meant she had to rely on online courses or travel to other cities.

It was worth it, however. Her numerous awards include first place in the 2023 Cultural Skills Competition and the Ministry of Education’s National Olympiad for Arabic Calligraphy. She has also demonstrated her talents at prominent events, such as the Layalina Festival in Wadi Al-Dawasir and the Abha Shopping and Entertainment Festival.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Assere has also led courses at the Holy Mosque Library in Makkah and organized calligraphy workshops in schools.

Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential trainers in Arabic calligraphy, teaching across all age groups. She takes pride in seeing her students compete in calligraphy competitions, a testament to the success of her approach and teaching methods.

Reman Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style. (Supplied)

Even in an age of rapid technological advancements, Assere is confident that calligraphy’s unique beauty will endure. She believes the future is bright for students and trainees, as the art of calligraphy continues to inspire and cultivate creativity.

She explained how the beauty of Arabic calligraphy is in the balance and harmony of its letters, with fluid lines that interlace. For Assere, Arabic calligraphy not only captures the essence and grace of the Arabic language, but it also allows the writer to convey thoughts and emotions.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. Rooted in precise geometric principles, Arabic calligraphy achieves a harmonious visual balance, allowing for flexibility in letter formation, overlapping designs, and intricate decorative motifs.

Assere said: “The beauty of Arabic calligraphy extends beyond writing; it is a visual art that enhances both artworks and decorations. Over time, it has become a cultural symbol that embodies Arab and Islamic identity.”

 

 


Ancient Italian masterpieces arrive in AlUla for first regional exhibit at Maraya

Ancient Italian masterpieces arrive in AlUla for first regional exhibit at Maraya
Updated 08 November 2024
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Ancient Italian masterpieces arrive in AlUla for first regional exhibit at Maraya

Ancient Italian masterpieces arrive in AlUla for first regional exhibit at Maraya

DUBAI: The Royal Commission for AlUla has partnered with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to bring ancient masterpieces from its renowned collection to Saudi Arabia and the region for the first time.

The agreement between RCU and MANN will facilitate the transport of a curated collection of artifacts from Naples to AlUla for the “Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples” exhibit.

Statuette of Alexander on horseback Herculaneum, 1st century BCE Bronze. (Supplied)

This exhibit, a highlight of AlUla’s 2024 Ancient Kingdoms Festival, is on display at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, until Dec. 14.

Fifteen masterpieces from ancient sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome are being presented to a regional audience for the first time, marking a historic debut outside Italy. 

The Nilotic Mosaic, displayed abroad only once before in Japan, will also be featured. 

Statue of Trajan Minturno, late 1st century CE Marble. (Supplied)

Abdulrahman Al-Suhaibani, vice president of culture at the RCU, said: “The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is a repository of masterpieces that reveal the wonders and richly interconnected stories that helped shaped the ancient world — key among them are Nabataean artifacts including alters and inscriptions dedicated to the Nabataean chief deity Dushares that show the extent of that civilization, from AlUla in northwest Arabia to the shores of southern Europe.”

“It’s a privilege for RCU to host the masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples exhibit and to display its wonderful collection of ancient artifacts for the first time in the region as we build toward an exciting calendar of cultural events, including the AlUla World Archaeological Symposium and the Ancient Kingdom’s Festival,” he said. 


Michael Buble to perform in Abu Dhabi

Michael Buble to perform in Abu Dhabi
Updated 08 November 2024
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Michael Buble to perform in Abu Dhabi

Michael Buble to perform in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: Globally acclaimed artist Michael Buble will perform in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 16, 2025, during the second edition of Saadiyat Nights.

The Canadian singer-songwriter joins an impressive lineup for the three-month outdoor concert series.

The performers include pop icon Robbie Williams on Dec. 28, Iranian music legend Ebi on Jan. 4, American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men on Jan. 25, Egypt’s renowned composer Omar Khairat on Feb. 1, and US pop sensation Christina Aguilera on Feb. 15.

Buble, celebrated for his signature blend of swing and jazz, has delighted fans around the world with hits including “Home,” “Sway,” and his rendition of “Feeling Good.”

The Grammy Award-winning artist has sold over 75 million albums globally, making his upcoming performance a highly anticipated event.