Liverpool Arab Arts Festival’s return showcases entertaining agenda
Vibrant mix of art, theater, music, literature, workshops
Updated 14 July 2024
Tamara Turki
LONDON: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, the UK’s longest-running festival celebrating Arab arts and culture, runs until July 21 and showcases a vibrant mix of art, theater, music, literature, and workshops.
Founded in 1998, the festival has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s cultural calendar.
This year’s program features a diverse lineup of artists from Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia, offering a dynamic interplay between traditional and contemporary Arab art forms.
Laura Brown, creative producer of the festival, told Arab News: “Artists are dealing with contemporary ideas and art forms, but often the conversations and themes they are tapping into are something Arab communities have been talking about for generations, like migration, identity and conflict.”
One of the highlights will be the festival’s tribute to Palestine. A special screening of “At Home in Gaza and London” will be held on Monday, with ticket proceeds benefiting collaborators in Gaza.
“Oranges and Stones,” a wordless play told through physical action and music, on Thursday will depict 75 years of occupation and settlement in Palestine. Marina Barham, general director of Al-Harah Theater in Bethlehem, will also speak about the therapeutic role of theater in addressing community trauma.
Port city Liverpool has fostered diverse and multicultural communities, with Arabic reportedly being the city’s second most-spoken language.
Brown said: “What’s really important to us is that we work with the community to ensure everyone feels represented. We talk to the community about artists they like and who they want to see, to bring them over. It was a conversation with members of the Somali community that introduced us to Aar Maanta.”
As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organization, the festival is part of the 2023-26 investment program.
Brown added: “Being an NPO is something the whole team is incredibly proud of and it is something we take very seriously.
“The arts landscape is very challenging and the ability to be able to know your festival is secured for several years in advance allows you to build relationships with venues and creatives to develop programs and projects further.”
Museum of Islamic Art exhibition to showcase new works by artists from Qatar and Morocco
Updated 25 August 2024
Rebecca Anne Proctor
DUBAI: An exhibition presenting the artistic visions of designers from Qatar and Morocco will open at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.
“Crafting Design Futures” will open on Nov. 30 as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
On show will be specially created works by nine designers from Qatar and Morocco, with characteristics intrinsic to each maker’s homeland and culture.
Moroccan artist Hmaza Kadiri in his studio. (Courtesy of Design Doha 2024)
Curated by Gwen Farrelly, the exhibition, which runs until Jan. 7, 2025, will feature new works by designers from Qatar and Morocco created during Design Doha Residency Program 2024 Qatar | Morocco: Crafting Design Futures.
The residency program, staged under the auspices of Design Doha, a biennial event launched in 2024 to creative innovation from the Middle East and North Africa region, aims to foster long-term exchanges of knowledge, craft and design practices.
“A key objective of the biennial is to establish networks of exchange and collaboration among regional designers, which is where the Design Doha Residency Qatar | Morocco: Crafting Design Futures plays a crucial role,” Farrelly said. “This program explores the connections between contemporary craft practices and innovative design through an exchange between Moroccan and Qatari makers.”
Majdulin Nassrallah in front of artwork by Sara Ouhaddou. (Courtesy of Design Doha 2024)
Designers based in Qatar include Nada Elkharashi, Reema Abu Hassan, Majdulin Nassrallah and Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, all of whom interpreted traditional Moroccan craft-making skills acquired during the exchange program to design multifunctional installations, products and artistic displays, while also highlighting important cultural narratives.
Simultaneously, in Morocco, Amine Asselman, Bouchra Boudoua, Amine El-Gotaibi, Hamza Kadiri and Sara Ouhaddou focused on earthworks, textiles, wood craftsmanship, ceramic and glass installations and pottery.
Through the residency artists offered a first-hand experience for participants to learn from expert artisans and craftspeople in each country.
The Moroccan artists participated in a two-week research residency in Qatar at the Liwan Design Studios & Labs and Torba Farm, immersing themselves in the local culture and traditions.
Participants from Qatar, in turn, traveled to Morocco, visiting studios and artisan schools in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Fes to gain insights and inspiration from the rich Moroccan craft traditions.
The designers from both countries, Al-Obaidly said, “immersed themselves in each other’s craft traditions — ranging from ceramics to textiles — and developed new works that reflect and support the heritage and contemporary practices of their cultures.”
Abdulrahman Al-Muftah’s work, for example, incorporated wood — a material that is not commonly associated with Qatar.
“It was so valuable to our ancestors and why I chose to work with this material for the Crafting Design Futures exhibition,” he told Arab News. “Wooden beams were traditionally used to construct roofs, often dictating room dimensions. These beams were never cut to size, becoming a distinct design element in heritage buildings, visible in the protruding ends that symbolize traditional construction practices.”
Amine El-Gotaibi Studio. (Courtesy of Design Doha 2024)
The piece Al-Muftah created for the exhibition is his own interpretation of woodworking. He was particularly inspired by Moroccan artist Hamza Kadiri’s woodwork, highlighting his artistry native to his North African homeland, which also reflected the important element of cultural exchange through the residency and exhibition.
“In Kadiri’s hands, hardwoods become as malleable as clay, with household furniture items emerging as if they were poured into shape,” he said. “My piece for the Crafting Design Futures exhibition is my interpretation of woodworking, drawing on Kadiri’s innovative techniques to create something uniquely my own.”
The goal is the exhibition goes beyond the beauty and innovation of the works on show to reflect the mission of Qatar’s Years of Culture to transcend borders and culture through creativity.
“Crafting Design Futures demonstrates the transformative impact of finding inspiration through shared experiences that draw on the wisdom of our ancestors, our lifestyles, and our deep-rooted connections with our societies, landscapes and environment — all of which collectively shape our unique perspectives, creative endeavors and shared narratives,” Al-Obaidly said. “Designing opportunities for creatives to engage in programs that have the capacity for such deep experiences is crucial to nurturing talents within the MENA region.”
XP Music Futures launches docuseries exploring Saudi music scene
Updated 25 August 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: A new docuseries from Saudi Arabia’s XP Music Futures, titled “ASHOO,” delves deep into the Kingdom’s burgeoning music scene.
Directed by Chndy and Abu Hamdan and created in collaboration with Badiya Studio, the series “unveils the sounds and untold stories of the Kingdom’s streets, offering viewers an authentic and unfiltered look at the cultural landscape of Saudi music,” according to a press statement.
The six-episode series — which launched its first episode on Aug. 10 — features intimate interviews with key music figures who have played a significant role in shaping the country’s musical identity.
As Saudi National Day approaches, the docuseries aims to serve as a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Chndy and Hamdan said in a statement: “In this project, we believe these stories are important and often overlooked. Our aim was to capture them as authentically and honestly as possible by allowing the people to tell their own stories in their own words. Through this approach, we have been able to showcase the raw emotions, passion, history, and love that these individuals have for their craft and interests.
“It was essential to us to preserve the integrity of their narratives, providing a window into their worlds that is both genuine and powerful,” they added.
Two episodes have been released so far. The first, titled “Jalsat Tarab,” is an introduction to the world of traditional drums and harmonic melodies, where a group of musicians showcase their craft, honed over years of improvisation and passion.
The second episode, titled “Khabiti” and released last week, offers a journey into Saudi folk music and culture, higlighting how artistic heritage remains a vital part of the national identity.
New episodes will drop weekly, with the final episode expected on Saudi National Day on Sept. 23.
Bella Hadid’s new scent is an ode to her childhood
Updated 25 August 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid took to social media to thank her Orabella team as she celebrated the launch of the newest fragrance from her label.
An ode to her favorite horse from her childhood, Hadid also celebrated the new drop — called Nightcap — with a party in West Hollywood.
The model wore a dusty-pink gown with delicate embroidery and bow detail from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad. She completed the bohemian look with a pair of strappy sandals and a gold necklace with a floral pendant.
Nightcap has been described as a “warm and spicy” scent with notes of ginger, cardamon and vanilla.
“Nightcap was actually the name of one of my best-friend-favorite horses of all time. I went to the finals in high school with (Nightcap), the love-of-my-life horse,” Hadid had said in an earlier interview with Elle.
“Each of my fragrances represent different parts of my soul, personality and character traits. It’s about being able to make little connections that the universe puts together for you. This one is really an ode to my teenage years and growing up. Horses have been everything to me since I was a kid,” she said.
Hadid also took to Instagram on Sunday to write: “Vanilla ginger cardamom sandalwood beautifulness!!!! I can’t wait for you try it!!!
“Feeling beyond blessed and lucky for this experience, and to watch the fruits of our labor grow! I love my team, I believe each one was sent to me from the heavens! Thank you to everyone who came through to support, and be a part of the @orebella family. I could not be more happy … I have been crying tears of joy for the last 3 days!!
“Special thanks to all involved! You know how much I love you!”
In a previous Instagram post, Hadid revealed that Nightcap was one of the scents she worked on before the formation of her label, Orabella.
“I started creating this scent from the beginning, before I even had a name for my company,” she wrote.
“All of my scents are different parts of me and my personality … But truly, NIGHTCAP is all me, through and through … She might truly be my favorite one yet!”
Review: ‘Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’ brings modern update to beloved classic
Updated 25 August 2024
James Denselow
LONDON: Twenty years after its original release on the Nintendo GameCube, “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” returns to captivate a new generation of gamers on the Nintendo Switch.
This updated version features modern graphics, refined storylines and a host of new features that enhance accessibility, all while retaining the charm that endeared it to fans two decades ago.
One of the hallmarks of the “Paper Mario” series, and indeed the broader Mario franchise, is its vibrant and bold color palette, slick interface and the maddeningly addictive background music that players have come to love.
The transition to the Nintendo Switch allows for a visually stunning rendition of the classic game, making it an easy win for Nintendo as they reintroduce this beloved title to a loyal and supportive fanbase. Although the Paper Mario series occupies a somewhat niche space within the larger Mario universe, it stands out for its creativity, humor and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The storyline of “The Thousand-Year Door” revolves around a mysterious treasure hidden behind the titular door. The original game was lauded for its engaging narrative, memorable characters and enhanced gameplay mechanics, and these elements have been preserved and polished in the Switch version. Players guide the 2D paper version of Mario through a richly detailed 3D world populated by familiar faces from the Mario universe. This blend of two-dimensional characters in a three-dimensional world creates a unique visual and gameplay experience that is as captivating now as it was 20 years ago.
With approximately 30 hours of gameplay focused on the main objectives, “The Thousand-Year Door” is not the longest game by RPG standards. However, newcomers to the series should note that it features significantly more story and dialogue than the average Mario adventure. This RPG engine is what sets the game apart, offering a depth of strategy and narrative not typically found in Mario’s classic platforming outings.
The game’s turn-based combat system is a key feature that provides a more tactical approach to battles. Players must target enemies’ weaknesses and plan their moves carefully, a departure from the frenetic, free-for-all action of traditional Mario games. This strategic element is further enhanced by the collection of star points and coins, which can be used to buy items from shops, providing a levelling-up mechanism before facing the game’s bigger bosses.
In addition to the tactical battle modes, the game introduces several quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible to modern audiences. These include refined controls, updated interfaces, and various tweaks to the gameplay mechanics that streamline the overall experience without sacrificing depth or complexity.
“Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” for Nintendo Switch is an excellent blend of nostalgia and innovation. It successfully updates a beloved classic for a new platform, ensuring that returning fans and newcomers can enjoy the whimsical world of Paper Mario.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant graphics, the engaging story, or the strategic gameplay, this updated version promises a delightful and memorable adventure in the ever-enchanting Mushroom Kingdom.
Markella Kavenagh shows off Elie Saab look at London ‘LOTR’ premiere
Updated 24 August 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Australian actress Markella Kavenagh showed off a gown by Lebanese luxury label Elie Saab at the world premiere of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season Two in London — just days after another star opted for Elie Saab on the red carpet.
Kavenagh’s two-tone, floor-length ballgown hailed from the fashion house’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection.
Kavenagh plays the harfoot Nori Brandyfoot in both seasons of the show, which streams on Amazon Prime Video. Her first film break came with 2019’s “True History of The Kelly Gang,” and she has also taken on roles in Australian TV shows like “Romper Stomper,” “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” and “The Cry.”
The actress previously told Collider that costumes and makeup played a major role in helping her get into character.
“I think for me, it’s the costume and the makeup. I think that’s when I fully feel like I am the character because beforehand, the preparation that you do or the research that you do or the backstory that you do, that’s all well and good, but then to actually have the other layers come together. It also just brings you closer to the heads of department and to the crew because they’ve all had a hand in making that,” she said.
Meanwhile, British actress Nathalie Emmanuel attended the Los Angeles Premiere of Peacock's “The Killer” earlier in August wearing a look from Elie Saab’s Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2023 collection.
The look featured a black-on-black bodice and skirt combination with a thigh-high slit for extra drama.
Directed by John Woo, the remake of the 1989 classic sees an assassin land in hot water after sparing the life of a young woman. Emmanuel, Omar Sy and Sam Worthington star in the action flick.
Something Woo wanted to do this time around was explore the assassin, played by Emmanuel, as a human being.
“She has a lot of emotions,” Emmanuel told Forbes. “With many of the classic action stereotypes, everyone's very steely, and they have this sternness, and he was like, 'I want vulnerability and that conflict in her to be really evident.' I loved that he wanted to approach it in that way.”
