Culture

Rima Abdul-Malak: 'Gerard Depardieu Shames France'
Rima Abdul-Malak: 'Gerard Depardieu Shames France'

French Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak voiced strong criticism against renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu on Friday following the broadcast of a report unveiling his conduct during a 2018 trip to North Korea. The actor’s words and demeanor, recently highlighted in the television program “Complément d’enquête,” were condemned by ...

Aref El Rayess: 1999 Collection at Sfeir-Semler
Aref El Rayess: 1999 Collection at Sfeir-Semler

The Sfeir-Semler Gallery in downtown Beirut proudly announces an exclusive exhibition showcasing the distinguished works of Aref El Rayess from 1999. This remarkable collection, previously unveiled at the Unesco palace in Beirut in 2000, was largely unseen until now. The exhibition, opening on December 14, 2023, promises to offer a unique insight ...

Zade Dirani: A Night of Musical Bliss
Zade Dirani: A Night of Musical Bliss

Jordanian-American pianist and composer, Zade Dirani, took center stage at Casino du Liban on Thursday, captivating a vibrant and interactive audience. His genre-blending compositions, influenced by music from around the globe, left an indelible mark on hearts, weaving a tapestry of Arabic, Latin, pop and classical melodies.

'Stranger Things' Adapted for the London Stage
'Stranger Things' Adapted for the London Stage

The critically acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things has transcended the realm of television, making its theatrical debut in London with a play that delves into the origins of the "Upside Down." The premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow took place on Thursday evening at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End, drawing an illustrious ...

'Kafir El Nahl': Shady Habr's New Theatrical Endeavor
'Kafir El Nahl': Shady Habr's New Theatrical Endeavor

The theatrical production "Kafir El Nahl" (The Beehive), penned by Dimitri Melki and directed by Shady el-Habr, showcases a distinguished ensemble of actors including Daoud Haddad, Lynn Jammal, Jana Ghandour, Mohamad Ahmad and Serena el-Dahdah, with notable appearances by Dina Elhaf and Chris Ghafari. This much-anticipated play is scheduled to ...

Historic Reveal: Rembrandt's Smallest Known Portraits
Historic Reveal: Rembrandt's Smallest Known Portraits

Two small portraits by Rembrandt, undiscovered for two centuries and recently auctioned for a staggering $14 million, were unveiled. The event took place on Wednesday December 13 at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.  Rembrandt’s portraits, each measuring a mere 20 centimeters in height and oval in shape, represent an elderly plumber, Jan Willemsz van ...

A Canvas by Zeina Nader Graces the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai
A Canvas by Zeina Nader Graces the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai

In the world of contemporary art, the installation of a major work in a prestigious location often marks a moment of recognition and celebration. This is exactly what happened at the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai, where the canvas "Serenity" painted by established artist Zeina Nader has found its permanent place, transforming the ambiance of the ...

El Gouna Film Festival 2023: Jury Highlights, Diverse Cinema
El Gouna Film Festival 2023: Jury Highlights, Diverse Cinema

El Gouna Film Festival, a prominent event in the MENA region, has announced its jury for the upcoming edition, scheduled to commence on December 14, 2023. The festival, renowned for its commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic expressions, will feature esteemed juries across three competitions: Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary, and Short ...

The 45-Year Retrospective of Amine Jules Iskandar’s Paintings
The 45-Year Retrospective of Amine Jules Iskandar’s Paintings

The architect and artist Amine Jules Iskandar will unveil a retrospective marking 45 years of his painting career, spanning from 1979 to 2023. This exhibition will be held at the Charles Corm Foundation, near the Beirut Museum, from December 16th to 23rd, 2023, between 3 PM and 7 PM. As a professional architect, Amine Jules Iskandar blends his ...

Frédéric Beigbeder is Facing Complex Allegations of Rape
Frédéric Beigbeder is Facing Complex Allegations of Rape

The French writer Frédéric Beigbeder found himself in police custody in Pau yesterday, facing complex allegations of rape. At the heart of this matter is a night of dual nature: an initial consent followed by an alleged refusal for subsequent intercourse. This action follows a complaint filed on July 23, 2023, by a young woman from Pau, ...

Railway Romance: The Sleeper Train's Return
Railway Romance: The Sleeper Train's Return

The resurgence of the sleeper train service between Berlin and Paris marks a renewed enchantment with the railway's romance, a sentiment that has long captivated writers, musicians and filmmakers. This allure is evidenced in one of the earliest cinematic feats, the 1896 Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station, which famously incited terror in its ...

Chérine Yazbeck’s Fragments of Memory Prevail…
Chérine Yazbeck’s Fragments of Memory Prevail…

Art Design Lebanon currently presents Chérine Yazbeck's solo exhibition, Beirut Blast & Other Stories. This deeply moving and evocative exhibition, composed of nine chapters, represents the pinnacle of Yazbeck's four-year endeavor. It vividly captures and embodies the spirit of Beirut in the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion. Beirut ...