Dashing for the Arab Arts

I’ll be honest, when I received the invite to Dash Arts’ latest event, ‘Arabic Translators in Conversation,’ the excitement was minimal. An evening listening to a few translators talking while everyone else in the room listened didn’t sound all too riveting. Still, one of the translators was a friend, and I decided to go for support and mingle with London’s Middle-Eastern artsy crowd.

In the dark basement of Momo’s Cafe, just off London’s Regent Street, the dulcet tones of the oud (a pear shaped Middle Eastern guitar) welcomed guests to an evening of Arab literature – translated. This was Dash Cafe, organised by Dash Arts, PEN and Arab for the Arts to bring artists and audiences together. The night marked the publication of ‘Beirut 39: New Writing from the Arab World’ – an anthology featuring young Arab writers from all over the world.

Award-winning Lebanese author and poet Hyam Yared was present to discuss her work. Translators Frank Wynne, Tristan Cranfield and Haroon Shirwani explored the difficulties and strategies involved in translating literary works: how do you convey the characters and voices in a manner that stays true to the writer’s intentions yet makes for seamless reading in English?

The night was less about listening to someone else’s conversation, more about the diversity of modern Arabic literature. The Arab world has always been famous for its rich ancient arts, poetry and prose, but the modern Arab world has just as much to offer. Some would argue that modern Arabic literature is richer and more diverse with the assimilation of Arabs into other cultures. Hyam Yared writes in French, the language she was raised in despite living in Lebanon. Yet everything she writes about involves her Arab identity and influences.

We were treated to a couple of recitals from the book including Yared’s ‘Leila’s Belly’ and Zaki Baydoun’s ‘Nine Poems’.

The event attracted a wide range of people, from many different backgrounds. According to organizer Jasmine Hadi of Arab for the Arts, these ‘artsy’ events attract more of a European crowd, while the religious lot come in their hordes for the food events. Gluttonous Muslims? Well food always tastes better when it’s free, but the real reason according to Hadi is that many Muslims feel uncomfortable at such events, fearing ‘haram’ elements. This is a shame, as art and literature have always existed in Islamic cultures.

The Dash Arts Arabic Series aims to bring new work that challenges the way we see the world. It is bringing Arabic works to English audiences throughout the UK, helping to knock down stereotypes.

Further events in the series include ‘A Tribute to Oum Kalsoum’ at the Barbican and ‘Babel’ a dance show to be staged at the Sadler’s Wells.

Contact the author:

Email: triskahamid@hotmail.com

Twitter: triska