Poetry corner: I love the birds of October
As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani.I love the birds of October The diaries...I love to be lost, like the birds of October...From time to time...I want to search for a new...Lady Gaga under scrutiny for song that sexualizes burqa wearing
Pop star Lady Gaga has caused controversy among Muslims, with a track titled "Aura," from her upcoming album "Art Pop," which critics have said, aims to sexualize Muslim women who wear a burqa.In the first verse, the dance track, includes the lyrics "I'm not a wandering slave, I am a woman of choice. My veil is protection for the...Poetry corner: Don’t write history as poetry
As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by the legendary Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Don't write history as poetryBy Mahmoud DarwishDo not write history as poetry, for the weaponof the historian does not...The Citizen: An Arab immigrant’s story on the big screen
ROYAL OAK — If you win the lottery, you hold on to the winning ticket. That's exactly what Ibrahim Jarrah, the main character in the movie "The Citizen," did. He won the International Green Card Lottery for permanent resident status in the United States, and stuck to his chance to become an American citizen despite the hardships and...Poetry corner: The Confession Chair
As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by the legendary Syrian poet Muhammad al-Maghut. The Confession ChairWith the wind blowing and the snow falling around meI sat in my poetic hut and buried my emotional,...Jenin Freedom Theater: Art as resistance
Ashraf wanted to be "the Palestinian Romeo." He was a student of Arna Mer, an Israeli activist, who started a theater group, as alternative education, for Palestinian children in the West Bank, during the first Intifada in 1989.Ashraf never had the chance to pursue an acting career, though. Instead, he grew up to become a fighter...Poetry corner: State of Siege
State of SiegeHere, at the slopes of hills, in front of the sunsetand the hollow of time,near fields with finite shadow,we do what is done by unemployed people and prisoners:We raise hope.A country ready for dawn. We become less intelligent,because we stare at the clock of victory.There is no night in our night that is filled with...“The Citizen” movie to premiere Sept. 25 in Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK — On Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., the the film, “The Citizen.” will premiere at a private, invitation only, event at the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak. The movie was produced, directed and filmed in Michigan. Beginning Friday, Sept. 27, tickets for “The Citizen” can be purchased at all Emagine Theaters...“The Muslims are Coming” … To theaters
A comedy-documentary, titled "The Muslims are Coming!" will get a limited release in select cities on September 12.The film follows a band of Muslim American comedians, as they visit big cities, small towns and rural areas, in an attempt to dispel Islamophobia with humor. Dean Obeidallah, Negin Farsad, Maysoon Zayid, Aron Kader, Omar...Project to promote dialogue and dance series, celebrating Detroit’s cultural stories
DETROIT — Heritage Works, will produce a series of live performances that celebrate Detroit’s cultural stories. The project will bring together national choreographers who have roots in Detroit and who will engage the community through dialogue, then mentor local dancers and involve youth and the community in unique expressions of...New walking tour reveals Eastern Market’s Arab history, merchants, food
DEARBORN — The Arab American National Museum’s YallaEat! Culinary Walking Tour is a new, immersive cultural experience that is being offered, free of charge, this fall, as a pilot program and next year as a fee-based program. The docent-guided walking tours of Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, during September and October...Poetry Corner: Four messages to Beirut
As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by the legendary Syrian poetNizar Qabbani.In this poem, Qabbani addresses war-torn Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War. A decade and a half after Qabbani's death, in 2008, the...Poetry Corner: The violins
The violins, a poem by Palestinian Poet Mahmoud Darwish, was turned into a song by Lebanese Musician Marcel Khalife last year. Khalife and Darwish had a long musical- lyrical partnership that continued after the latter's death in 2008.The violinsThe violins cry with the gypsies going to AndalusiaThe violins cry over the Arabs leaving...Arab American director’s film hits theaters
"Approaching Midnight," a movie, directed by Arab American filmmaker Sam Logan Khaleghi, will premiere at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak, on Friday, Aug. 30.Khaleghi is a Detroit native. He is the producer of the Emmy-nominated show "Prison Boat." He graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and is a director, actor, writer and...Poetry corner: The conversation of waves
As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by Syrian poet, journalist and playwright Muhammad al-Maghut.The conversation of wavesI do not want to be filthy, or sterile.Each case has its consequences.In villages, parents......
Poetry Corner: A ready scenario
As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by the legendary Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. A Ready Scenario was published after Darwish's death, in his last book I Do not Want for this Poem to End.A ready...Poetry Corner: Where do I go?
Nizar.As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by the legendary Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani (1923- 1998).Where do I go?I no longer know... Where do I go.Everyday... I feel closerEveryday... your face becomes a partof my......
Poetry Corner: I do not know the stranger
Mahmoud DarwishAs a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English reader, The Arab American News translates a poem by the legendary Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. I do not know the strangerI do not know the stranger, nor his accomplishments...I saw a funeral, so I...Poetry Corner: The Tattoo
Muhammad Maghout was a poet, playwright and essayist, who spent a lifetime advocating for political freedom in an Arab World run by totalitarian regimes. He was born in Salamiya, a town near Hama in Syria, in 1934. He entered the literary realm after linking up with fellow Syrian poet Adonis in Beirut in the late 1950's. His...Poetry Corner: Her/Him
Darwish As a part of its continuing effort to share a portion of the literary wealth of Arabic poetry with the English...Lebanese Canadian singer dicusses his heritage and rise to fame
Karl Wolf performs at the LAHC reception.DEARBORN — Last week, Lebanese Canadian singer Karl Wolf, 34, paid a visit to Dearborn, where he performed at Byblos Banquet Hall, during a ceremony, sponsored by the Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC). Karl, whose birth name is Carl Abou Samah, has been active in the music scene since......
Poetry Corner: The stairwell
Nazik Al-Malaika is, not only the most celebrated female Arab poet of the past century, but also one of the pioneers of modern Arabic poetry. She was among the first poets, in the history of Arabic literature, to use free verse. She was born into a literary family in Baghdad in 1923, and she received a master's degree in comparative...‘Arab Idol’ Mohammed Assaf renews hopes for Palestinians, Arab World
A few months ago over dinner, my mother enthusiastically said, "a Palestinian singer from Gaza made Arab Idol’s second season!""His name is Mohammed Assaf," she told me, adding that he is reminiscent of the iconic, late Egyptian singer, Abdel Halim Hafiz.My mother continued. I remained silent. For one second, I wanted to laugh, but I......
Poetry Corner: White Tears
Ahmad Matar.Ahmad Matar uses poetry as a tool to combat tyranny and to criticize flaws in Arab society. The poet was born in the village of Tammouna, near Basra, in south Iraq, in 1954. In his mid-20's, he moved to Kuwait to work as a literary editor at Al-Qabas Newspaper. Soon enough, Matar's blunt poetic attacks on Arab rulers made...Darine Hamze: A cosmopolitan Lebanese star
DEARBORN - Darine Hamze prefers to direct her acting skills toward diverse and daring roles. She rose to stardom and was recognized as a multi-talented artist within a short period of time.Her roles range from Batoul, a conservative, resistant girl in an Israeli-occupied south Lebanon in the television series Al-Ghaliboon (the victors),......