a different view
organized by Aide médicale pour la Palestine
Palestine. Palestinian. The words alone are enough to overwhelm. We are hammered, daily, by the same news coverage, the same words, and by similar images from the West Bank and Gaza, driving out any thought that there might be other aspects to Palestinian life than rocks and bullets.
It is in this light that for a second year, Montreal-based N.G.O. Aide médicale pour la Palestine has organized Rhythms from Palestine. It's a nicely put-together project showcasing Palestinian-produced music, painting, and film - creative aspects of a people too often seen in damaged/damaging contexts.
Some of the featured artists:
Music
Nazarene 'Oud musician Samir Joubran appears with a large ensemble at Place des Arts November 23; and alongside his brother Wissam on November 24, for the show 'Oud Fusion in a free concert at the Chapelle historique de Bon-Pasteur (pass required) - Joubran is a virtuoso of traditional Arabic music, having jammed with talents such as the Jerusalem-based group Sabreen and renowned Palestinian poet Mahmood Darwish.
Films
Rashid Masharawi's Season of Love, and Live from Palestine (which the director will attend) - two videos examining different aspects of media coverage and the work of reporters during the current Intifada.
Children of Fire and Frontiers of Fears and Dreams - two works from Award-winning documentary film maker Maï Masri (shown left):
"Frontiers cuts through the cynicism that ossifies in brains numbed by too much faceless violence on the evening news. In making it possible for the audience to feel, it fulfills a primary function of documentary film." - Jim Quilty (Daily Star, Lebanon, May 10, 2001)
"Couleur Palestine"
An exhibit at the lovely Château Defresne Museum (in case you need an excuse to get out there) with canvases from three Palestinian artists, including work by Samir Salameh, who recently curated the compelling and controversial exhibit 100 SHAHEED-100 LIVES.
Go see it, will you?
Tickets/passes available at box offices or at AMP:
Visit Rhythms from Palestine for information on all shows, screenings, and exhibits.
Place des Arts, Cinqième salle, 175 Saint-Catherine West: 514-842-2112
Chapelle historique de Bon-Pasteur, 100 Sherbrooke St. East, 514-872-5338
Aide médicale pour la Palestine: 514-843-7875
2001 Jazz Fest has plenty of high points
Fighting Words
A change of climate
Nine Songs For The Middle Class
Sweatin' to the Oldies