It is tough to imagine Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape before the arrival of NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre in 2015. Its annual season of events, comprising of concerts, exhibitions and performances, not only made the capital a destination for those seeking thoughtful art, but the centre also played an instrumental role in building a tight knit community of culture lovers.
For the fifth season, the centre returns with a hefty programme exploring culture and tradition, in addition to providing a platform to a new generation of regional and international talent.
Running under the theme of ‘connection’ and inspired by the Year of Tolerance, artistic director Bill Bragin says the centre’s offerings are built on the back of a strong network of cultural partnerships.
“In the relatively short period of time since we’ve opened, we’ve built terrific collaborations with a wide number of partners in the government and in the country’s cultural and diplomatic communities, and we’ve watched a diverse audience embrace our adventurous approach to programming,” he said.
As well as performances by Scotland’s innovative theatre company Vox Motus and the esteemed troupe Circus Abyssinia, the festival will bring back the much loved world music extravaganza, Barzakh Festival in an expanded format.
This year’s edition features South African funk group BCUC and future Rai music star Sofiana Saidi. With more than 100 performances, including three world premieres and 14 UAE debuts, there is a lot to unpack regarding the latest season, so make sure to check out the website for the full program.
But, here are our highlights: the opener is on September 5, with the season stretching out until the first quarter of 2020.
Opening night: Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia
Storytelling, acrobatics and pulsating music come together in the Middle Eastern debut by Ethiopia’s Circus Abyssinia. Performing on September 5 and 6, the troupe from Addis Ababa will present a fast-moving production that will not only thrill audiences with the obligatory death-defying routines, but also enchant with a tale following two brothers in search of adventure.
The show will also be full of the mesmerising rhythms that make up Ethiopian folk music, so bring along your dancing shoes as well.
A world of dance: Asnaf by Sima Dance Company and tribute to Merce Cunningham
The development of Sima Dance Company can only be described as inspiring. Founded in the Syrian capital Damascus in 2003 by renowned choreographer Alaa Krimed, the group moved to a Beirut Studio in 2012 and assembled a formidable troupe that went on to win the television contest Arabs Got Talent the following year.
Now based in Dubai, they have been commissioned by the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre to present the world premiere of Asnaf. Running on August 23 and 24 and inspired by the work of Canadian philosopher Alan Deneault, the show explores the relationship between consumerism and populism.
In another show, one of the masters of 20th century dance choreography will be celebrated on stage. In a collaboration between director Robert Swinston and France’s National Centre for Contemporary Dance/Angers, two of Merce Cunningham’s masterpieces, 1999’s multi-media production Biped and 1965’s How to Pass, Kick, Fall & Run,will be performed on October 30.
The beat goes on: Barzakh Festival and other concerts
The Barzakh Festival is fast becoming the region’s best world music gathering. The fourth edition (to run in the first quarter of 2020) will be in full festival mode with six live performances taking place nightly across three separate stages.
This means a lot of evocative music on the way. Announced already are BCUC, who through their electrifying live shows and socially conscious lyrics provide a soundtrack to a changing South Africa. They will be joined by Bokante, a world music crew led by Michel League, the Grammy-Award-winning multi-instrumentalist behind the much-loved jazz collective Snarky Puppy.
Also on the way is Tunisian producer Ammar 808 who will bring his north African infused electro beats, Algeria’s Rai singer Sofiane Saidi and Cuba’s La Dame. The latter group will surely get the dance floor heaving with their brand of hip-hop, cumbia and dancehall.
For those looking to explore the sounds of the region, don’t miss out on the Sufism vs Modernism concert on September 26. A partnership between composers Fathy Salama and Sheikh Mahmoud Tohamy, the performance will fuse the otherworldly harmonies of Sufi chanting with contemporary Egyptian Jazz.
Trailblazing pianist Awadagin Pratt will perform in the capital on December 5. The first African American to win the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition in 1992, Pratt has built an acclaimed international performance career, which also includes appearing in a 2000 episode of Sesame Street. His recital will include works by Beethoven and Brahms.
Contemporary Emirati theatre: Al Raheel
To be performed on January 24 and 25, Al Raheel is built from a series of poems by emerging Emirati playwright Reem Almenhali. Teaming up with award-winning American director and NYU Abu Dhabi professor Johanna Settle, the production touches upon various aspects of womanhood and offers a meditation on how life can change us all.
The return of the favourites: Hekayah and Rooftop Rhythms
An artistic celebration of the UAE, November 26’s Hekayah gathers a select and diverse group of UAE creative, who through poetry, prose and song, celebrate the country’s rich culture and heritage.
Meanwhile, one of the region’s longest running poetry open mic nights will kick off in September. On a Friday of each month, locally based artists are provided a platform to showcase their talent in front of an appreciative crowd. The point of the event is to foster locally based talent, so make sure to perform an original piece of work.
CinemaNA also returns with more screenings of contemporary Arabic films to run on selected Monday nights. Dates for the first Rooftop Rhythms and CinemaNa sessions will be revealed soon.
(The National)
Your guide to NYUAD Arts Centre’s 5th season: from an Ethiopian circus to Syrian dance troupe Sima
Ali Berkie man of the nation
A true story adapted from an interview Ali Berkie gave recently to a media outlet.
(Last part)
Some 40 years back… things were not pleasing across the country. Rival political parties were fighting one another to grab central power. Secessionist groups in the north and the Somali invading force in the east were fighting against the central government… The then provisional military government had to issue a national call so that every citizen could stand vigilant against enemies… The young Ali Berkie who was born and raised in Assosa area, western part of the country, responded to the national call by being registered voluntarily.
At first a military officer rejected Ali telling him that he was too young to be recruited as a soldier. He was fifteen then. Ali was known in his home village for his bravery on hunting wild animals. He used to kill a buffalo or antelope with a single shot. He took time before he shot. When the animal fell into his aim, he pulled the trigger and hit the poor animal through the head. He was successful in his hunting sport for years. The then district official convinced the military officer that the young man was a sharpshooter and fit for the military service… It was after that Ali was taken with his friends to the famous Tatek military training centre, which was located near Addis Ababa. After months of basic military training, he was given a brand-new AK 47 with three magazines full of bullets numbering about 90.
Days after, a division in which Ali belongs to was transported to Hararghe. Once on duty station, the soldiers were ready waiting for the last command to be given by their leader, a young lieutenant. Then, they were ordered to take positions, dig trenches and respond to the firing coming from the invading force. Though many of the soldiers in his subdivision shot, Ali did not fire a single bullet. He was rather impressed why his partners were firing sporadically without they got the enemy soldier within their sight.
Later at night the commander made a check-up of his soldiers. His unit was taken to a nearby camouflaged fortress where a close inspection was made. All members of the subdivision lined up and were counted. Then every one of them was asked to report in particular the number of kollos (roasted grain as coded for bullet) they had used including the remaining ones kept in their magazines… When it was Ali’s turn, the lieutenant raised his voice as usual and said, “private Ali Berkie!”
“Yes, sir!” Ali stood at attention.
“Say your quick report on your line of duty…!”
“Yes, sir! … Everything is going on well… regarding kollo … None eaten up! Ninety pieces are still in, sir!”
“What?!” the lieutenant glared at Ali.
“No enemy was in my sight, sir! … I want to kill my enemy with a single go… Sir!”
“I can’t believe that, man! … Are you saying you did not give them a single kollo while they were showering us with theirs?” the lieutenant was full of rage.
“No, sir! … No single kollo I did give them the whole day, sir!” Ali, who was on alert, responded loudly.
During the other regular inspection, the next day, Ali reported similarly. He did not fire a single bullet. “None shot out, sir! …Ninety are still kept in magazine, sir!”
“Can you please tell us why, comrade Ali Berkie?” asked the lieutenant.
“I detected no enemy soldier in my sight, sir! … No enemy in my vision, sir!”
The third day Ali announced similar report to his commander who was still very surprised at the time… There was a long silence. Then the lieutenant was determined to do something to check Ali. He got closer to Ali and said, “Young man, I order you to take a firing position by my side tomorrow. Understand?”
“Yes, sir! …Firing position by the side of the commander on the morrow, sir!”
“That’s what I need!”
The next day the two glued their bosom against the earth with the barrel of their guns towards the direction of the invading enemies. Their fatigues and helmets were camouflaged with the surrounding area, which was bombarded by artilleries and cannon fired from afar. Jet fighters were also ploughing the sky with their deafening sounds… A Somali machine gunner who took position behind a boulder did not allow the Ethiopian soldiers to raise their heads and march ahead… The machine gun was popping nonstop like a popcorn being roasted. Terrrr! …. Terrrr… Ta ta ta ta ta …Terrrr! Then suddenly, the gunner peeped out raising his helmet-covered head. Ali nudged the lieutenant and whispered by pointing to the Somali soldier, “sir, please, can you see the machine-gunner scanning over us… Look at him! …Please don’t shoot at him… Leave that man for me. I can take care of him.” Ali took aim and clicked the trigger of his AK-47. The Somali machine gunner was shot through the forehead. Ali calls this kind of hitting, “piercing through the forehead”. Immediately another Somali partner sat on the dead soldier’s body and held the machinegun. Ali winked at his commander pleading to give him another chance. Minutes later the new gunner raised his head which was saluted instantly by Ali’s shot… another “piercing through the head”. Now the simmering mouth of the machinegun has been silenced. Mission accomplished! …Late in the evening… the commander stood as usual before the lined-up soldiers.
“Private Ali Berkie! … Say your report!”
Ali Berkie stood at attention and saluted. “Yes, sir! Two shots! I had two ‘piercing through the head’… right on the forehead, sir! …two shots against two machine gunners and 88 kept in magazines, sir!”
The commander of the division clapped with broad smile in his face. Others roared saying, “Hurrah! …Hurrah!”
The other day Ali was given a command to clamp down three tanks that were sluggishly moving into the commanding areas of the Ethiopian soldiers. He carried several hand grenades and made snake-moving towards the rolling tanks. His partners were watching him. Then he squatted and made a dangerous move. All including the commander stopped breathing. They did not believe what they were watching. Was that Ali or his ghost? They saw him jumping on a tank from its rear side and opened the lid at the top… Then, he dropped a grenade inside. Black smoke was seen gushing out of the tank… In the same way, Ali Berkie destroyed two more tanks that were moving into the fortress.
Commanders of the enemy soldiers were Ali’s target. He knows they are accompanied by entourage and communication aides who carry radios with long antennas. Wherever there is that antenna, there is a commander around. Then after, quite simple for Ali… “Piercing through the forehead”. He hunted and shot many commanders in this way.
Ali likes tej (local mead). Many of his friends extend invitation of beer to him. But tej is his preference. One day he was given two days off duty and went to a renowned tej bet in Harar. The owner of the tej bet, a lady, was very happy to have the war hero, Ali as a customer. She clapped and called attention of all the other customers and said, “…this is a privilege for me to have an Ethiopian hero as a guest in our midst here in my tej bet. I haven’t got the chance to be a war hero like him. But I am very lucky to host this Ethiopian hero, Ali Berkie. This is a special occasion for me and you all Ethiopians. …I want to celebrate this event by allowing you all to take whatever you like for free. Enjoy drinking as much tej as you like on behalf of our hero, Ali Berkie!” The hero received a standing ovation from the customers of that big tej bet…
Address your comment to the writer through gizaw.haile@yahoo.com
The costs of unsafe food
Two weeks ago, I picked up a friend from the airport who came to visit for 10 days. All was well, and we enjoyed spending time together, visiting friends and dining out. Until one evening she was struck by food poisoning and she became very ill indeed in a very short period of time. We went to a clinic where she was given an IV treatment to rehydrate her and after some lab test she was given medication to deal with the cause. Until the evening of departure however, she remained ill and very weak indeed. As a result, a large part of her visit was spoilt, and a considerable amount of money was spent on medical costs. Now, this is the experience of only one person, and imagine the medical and economic costs caused by unsafe food at a larger scale, also in the perspective of the current high incidence of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD).
A large proportion of these costs could be avoided by adopting preventive measures that improve how food is handled. The economic cost of unsafe food varies according to the level of economic development. It is important to recognize the need for effective investment, a better understanding of the cost of reducing unsafe food, and the achievable impact on the country’s food security, public health, and economy. Any food safety standards that are developed and implemented have associated costs for governments, industry and consumers. Nonetheless, the economic benefit and public health cost reduction resulting from reliable food safety systems outweigh the cost of food safety investment. Government not only needs to invest in food safety, but also invest strategically. This means investing in foundational knowledge, human resources, and infrastructure; realizing synergies among investments in food safety, human health, and environmental protection; and using public investment to leverage private investment. A transparent and constructive dynamic between food safety authorities and the food industry is fundamental in enabling public confidence in the food supply. The assurance of reliable and effective enforcement of regulation is fundamental to building a credible system. However, it is important to seek a productive balance between enforcement and facilitation and support to value chain actors to meet requirements to achieve their full potential. The public sector needs to put in place a set of enabling policies and provide public goods that create the enabling environment to foster private sector investment. The public sector can also support clustering of agribusinesses within specific geographic areas (e.g. technology parks) with assured infrastructure and access to output and input markets. Investment flows into value chains in which small-holder producers and processors are involved (e.g. as raw material suppliers) can be stimulated by improving coordination in the chain through strengthening groups that bring these actors together, while also building their technical and managerial capacity to meet market requirements.
In previous decades, government and donor investments in food safety in low and middle-income countries often focused on exports and formal sector food production and retail. This was driven by the economic benefits of export and the belief that modernization of the food system would improve productivity and deliver safer food and more benefits to workers. While both export sectors and formal food businesses remain key to many
countries’ development strategies, recent years have seen increasing evidence of the huge health and economic burdens falling on domestic consumers who primarily access food, especially perishable, higher-nutrient produce, from informal outlets and distribution channels. A broad-based food safety strategy is needed which gives balanced attention to trade and domestic matters, and, for the latter, covering food safety risks in formal and informal markets. Food safety has complex bidirectional linkages with nutrition, livelihoods and equity. For example, unsafe food is associated with stunting and malnutrition and predisposes people to gastro-intestinal illness and affects the most vulnerable people who have limited food choices and often rely on informal markets. Concerns about food safety may push people away from fresh produce and towards low-nutrient, highly processed foods, with adverse long-term health consequences. In low and middle -income countries, hundreds of millions of people, many of them women, depend on food production, processing, and retail for their livelihoods. Wherever possible, food safety interventions should act to secure rather than threaten these livelihoods.
The image of Ethiopia has changed much over the past few decades, from a country struck by drought and starvation, to a country with substantial economic growth and capable to deal with the challenges of climate change and related risks. We receive more visitors than ever before, including tourists but even more delegates from organizations and foreign countries that come and attend international meetings in the capital of the Africa Union. We don’t want that image to be weakened by illness, food waste and rejects because of unsafe food production and consumption.
Source and for more background reading:
https://www.who.int/food-safety/international-food-safety-conference/background-documents/
ton.haverkort@gmail.com
Tsion Asmare
Name: Tsion Asmare
Education: BA in Psychology
Company name: Bitsite Berebaso Leather Products Manufacturing
Studio Title: Shareholder
Founded in: 2016
What it does: Makes and sells leather shoes and bags
HQ: German Square around Mekanisa
Number of employees: 23
Startup Capital: 150,000 birr
Current capital: Growing
Reasons for starting the business: To be able to work freely
Biggest perk of ownership: Being my own boss
Biggest strength: Commitment
Biggest challenge: Finance and finding a suitable work place
Plan: To open a big factory
First career: The psychology profession
Most interested in meeting: Steve Jobs
Most admired person: None
Stress reducer: Reading
Favorite past-time: Working
Favorite book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
Favorite destination: Addis Ababa
Favorite automobile: Land Rover
