Navigating the New Year with Hope and Harmony
Finding Light in the Shadows, Rediscovering Humanity Amidst Adversity
JAN 01, 2024
As we usher in the new year's dawn, the Ghannouj's Gazette brings you its fourth edition, filled with stories, insights, and a touch of the extraordinary. I find myself compelled to speak from the heart on the sombre undertones that have marked the last three months in my part of the world: The Middle East.
The unfolded events have been nothing short of shocking, leaving a heavy weight of sorrow and grief in their wake. The overwhelming sense of helplessness as I watched a cascade of death, injustice, destruction, and pain was a bitter pill to swallow. It felt as if humanity had lost its way, and I, like many of you, found myself lost and angry in the turmoil.
In the face of the ongoing war, those directly suffering have little respite, caught in a relentless cycle with no escape. Yet, in my struggle to understand everything, I realized the need to break free from the paralysis that gripped me. To rediscover hope and trust in humanity, I chose to hibernate in the cocoon of simple pleasures that bring joy – cooking, reading, and immersing myself in the worlds of human creativity.
During this period of introspection, I delved into history with "Three Worlds" by Avi Shlaim. Lighthearted series provided a brief respite from the weight of reality. I explored exhibitions in the realm of art, from the mesmerizing Impressionists on Paper at the Royal Academy of Arts to the thought-provoking Sarah Lucas exhibit at Tate Britain. The ballet, too, became a source of enchantment as I witnessed The Nutcracker performed by the English National Ballet for the first time.
As we move forward into the new year, let us carry the lessons learned in the cocoon of self-discovery. We must believe that beauty creators could also advocate against injustice and destruction. Though our voices may start as mere whispers, they are growing into a resounding roar that refuses to be silenced. May the collective voice that rises from the opposition to evilness and destruction serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a resilient spirit that can rekindle the flames of hope and justice.
Enchanting Elegance: A Dreamlike Journey Through 'The Nutcracker's Magical Christmas
In the enchanting performance of "The Nutcracker," the stage came alive with over 100 dancers and musicians, creating a symphony of exquisite dancing, captivating sets, and the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky's beloved score played live.
The production was a magical tapestry that transported the audience to a dream realm. Every pirouette and grand jeté felt like a brushstroke on a canvas of festive wonder. With their precision and grace, the dancers breathed life into the iconic characters, while the orchestra's live rendition of Tchaikovsky's score added an ethereal layer to the experience.
The stage design, a visual feast of festive enchantment, complemented the dancers' artistry. From the captivating overture to the grand finale, the performance was a mesmerizing journey through The Nutcracker's magical Christmas realm, leaving the audience spellbound and filled with the season's spirit.
Whispers on Paper: A Delicate Tapestry of Impressionist Mastery
The Royal Academy's exhibition, "Impressionists on Paper," unveils a breathtaking collection of fragile and rarely seen works that redefine the spontaneity and nuance of the Impressionist movement. From Monet's pastel sunsets to Van Gogh's beautifully bleak landscapes, the exhibition encapsulates the essence of artists creating at speed, capturing fleeting moments up close and out in the world.
Among the treasures is Toulouse-Lautrec's fierce and febrile oil sketch, "Woman With a Black Boa," emanating scintillating energy. Van Gogh's study of thatched roofs, drawn with pencil, gouache, and ink on copper-colored paper, showcases his unique graphic notations, marrying Japanese style with his distinctive touch.
While famous works grace the exhibition, the true allure lies in the 77 fragile sketches, watercolors, pastels, gouaches, and temperas seldom displayed in public. These intimate pieces, often residing in private collections due to their fragility, weave together a delicate tapestry that whispers the secrets of Impressionist mastery.
Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec is at the Royal Academy, London, until 10 March 2024
What's on My Screen and in My Ears
In entertainment, this week's watchlist featured the mini-Saudi series on Netflix, "Crashing Eid." This delightful comedy revolves around Razan, navigating the complexities of family dynamics, interracial marriages, and societal expectations when her British Pakistani fiancé crashes her Saudi family's Eid celebrations. In a lighthearted manner, the series delves into profound themes such as abuse, divorce, and custody, offering a unique blend of humour and depth.
On the podcast front, my current auditory companions come from the captivating realm of "British Scandals," a Wondery production hosted by Alice Levine and Matt Forde. With an astonishing 34 seasons under its belt (there are too many British scandals out there), each miniseries unfolds a gripping tale of power, sex, and money, tinged with a bit of British wit. The podcast takes a unique approach, steering clear of interviews and talking heads, instead presenting a mixture of created scenarios and intriguing news tidbits. As I immerse myself in Season 2 of this ever-expanding saga, I'm intrigued by the promise of an American counterpart exploring scandals from the other side of the pond.
Stay tuned for further updates on my journey through the scandalous world of podcasts!