Interviews

Etab Hreib on Conflict, Commercialism, and Sexism in Syria’s Current Art Movement

By

Rebecca Joubin

In the this interview with the critically acclaimed Syrian watercolorist, Etab Hreib, she discusses the interrelated nature of the arts in the context of her own love for the theater and set design, and details various influences on her work.

Critically acclaimed Syrian watercolorist, Etab Hreib, a native of Der-Ez-Zor, graduated from the Graphic Arts Department of the University of Damascus. Since then, she has exhibited her work in various parts of the world. She was the recipient of the Al-Mahros Golden Award in Tunisia, a Golden Award from the Chinese Ministry of Culture, and an award from the Ministry of Culture in Algeria.

Arabic Poetry and the Public Sphere Today: A Conversation Between Abbas Beydoun and Rula Jurdi

By Rula Jurdi

In a fascinating conversation Lebanese journalist, poet and novelist, Abbas Beydoun and Lebanese historian and poet, Rula Jurdi discuss the limits and reach of modern Arabic poetry, its appeal to different public spheres, the politics of publishing, and the relationship between publisher and poet. Both agree that oral and performative traditions and innovations can increase accessibility.

"Before we ask ourselves why are the readers of Arabic poetry declining we must remember that throughout history, if one were to examine the major Arabic literary accounts, poetry was a public activity, but it was never a sustained popular or mass-based activity. Poetry was for the elites." - Abbas Beydoun

Interviews

The Embrace of Beauty and Suffering in Dina Abd Elsalam's 'Rest in Peace'

Nada Ramadan Elnahla

In this fascinating interview, Professor Nada Ramdan Elnahla talks with Dina Abd Elsalam, Egyptian filmmaker, novelist, and Alexandria University lecturer. Ms. Abd Elsalam speaks about her acclaimed and award-winning film, “Rest in Peace” and her novel, “A Text Abandoned by its Characters.”

Words Behind Bars: Syrian Poet Faraj Bayrakdar Speaks After 14 Years of Detention

Mohammad Ali al-Atassi

It is hard to keep calm in the face of the events that Faraj Bairqadar describes in this interview. Born in 1951 in the city of Homs, he is only the second Syrian political prisoner to speak publicly about his experience, though it is an experience shared by numerous other prisoners.

Eyad Shehab Ahmed on Editing, Documentary Projects, and the Impact of Gulf-Funded Satellite Demand on Syrian Television Drama

Rebecca Joubin

Eyad Shehab Ahmad has been a prominent Syrian television drama editor since 1997.

Syrian Screenplay Writer Najeeb Nseir Speaks On Breaking Taboos in Syrian Drama

Rebecca Joubin

The bold and courageous scripts of Najeeb Nseir, a leading avant-guarde screenplay writer of Syrian Drama ...

Dialogue with Sculptor Monkith Saaid Before His Passing

Searching for Balance Between Art and Life

Bandar Abd al-Hamid

Monkith Saaid (1958-2008) was a distinct presence among Arab sculptors of his generation.

Etab Hreib on Conflict, Commercialism, and Sexism in Syria’s Current Art Movement

Arabic Poetry and the Public Sphere Today: A Conversation Between Abbas Beydoun and Rula Jurdi

The Embrace of Beauty and Suffering in Dina Abd Elsalam's 'Rest in Peace'

Words Behind Bars: Syrian Poet Faraj Bayrakdar Speaks After 14 Years of Detention

Eyad Shehab Ahmed on Editing, Documentary Projects, and the Impact of Gulf-Funded Satellite Demand on Syrian Television Drama

Syrian Screenplay Writer Najeeb Nseir Speaks On Breaking Taboos in Syrian Drama

Dialogue with Sculptor Monkith Saaid Before His Passing

George Tarabishi on His Book, Jabri, and Theory of Rethinking Turath Studies

Helen Karam on Childhood Inspirations, Artistic Quest to Preserve Beirut and Will to Survive on Own Terms

Syrian Artist Walid Agha Searches for the Spirit of the Letters

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