Culture

‘A Christmas Gift’ Brings Holiday Magic to Casino du Liban
‘A Christmas Gift’ Brings Holiday Magic to Casino du Liban

The holiday season is all about creating unforgettable memories, and A Christmas Gift by Pipeline Productions is poised to do just that. Taking place at the Casino du Liban in Jounieh, this awe-inspiring show will run over two weekends, December 21-23 and December 27-29. The production promises a heartwarming journey through music, dance and ...

Michel Tirabosco by Zahi Haddad: 'Le Souffle de Ma Vie'
ExclusiveMichel Tirabosco by Zahi Haddad: 'Le Souffle de Ma Vie'

On January 14, 2025, Le Souffle de ma vie will be published by Éditions Favre. Written by Zahi Haddad, a biographer celebrated for exploring themes like inclusion, diversity and authenticity, the book paints a compelling portrait of Tirabosco’s extraordinary journey. Two launch events will take place in Switzerland: January 16 at 6 PM at Payot ...

Tintin-Inspired Tomb Among England’s Most Unique Heritage Listings
Tintin-Inspired Tomb Among England’s Most Unique Heritage Listings

A 17th-century English tomb linked to the beloved Tintin comics has been granted official protection as a "remarkable" historic place by heritage chiefs. In the quiet town of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, far from the snowy mountains of Tibet where the intrepid young reporter Tintin ventured, lies the tomb of Mary Haddock, mother of Admiral Richard ...

Sursock Museum Reopens Its Doors, Lamia Abillama Unveils History
Sursock Museum Reopens Its Doors, Lamia Abillama Unveils History

After two months of closure during the recent war in Lebanon, the Sursock Museum is reopening its doors to the public this Friday, December 20. A festive day packed with events awaits visitors to celebrate the long-anticipated return of this iconic cultural institution. “Having been greatly weakened by the August 4, 2020 explosion at the Beirut ...

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral: Modern Stained Glass Sparks Controversy
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral: Modern Stained Glass Sparks Controversy

On Wednesday, December 18, the designs for six new stained glass windows for the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral were unveiled for the first time. French contemporary artist Claire Tabouret has been selected to infuse the iconic 12th-century structure with a modern twist as part of its ongoing restoration, following the devastating 2019 ...

'Becoming an Adult Is Recognizing, with Minimal Pain, That Santa Claus Doesn't Exist'
Analysis'Becoming an Adult Is Recognizing, with Minimal Pain, That Santa Claus Doesn't Exist'

"Becoming an adult is recognizing, without minimal much pain, that Santa Claus doesn't exist." This quote from the renowned astrophysicist and philosopher of science Hubert Reeves offers, with remarkable insight, accuracy and compassion, a reflection on a key moment in individual psychological development: the day a child discovers that Santa ...

'Last Tango in Paris' and Maria Schneider’s Tragic Fate
Spotlight'Last Tango in Paris' and Maria Schneider’s Tragic Fate

The Last Tango in Paris was born from a fantasy by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci. He had imagined meeting a stranger on the street and having a sexual encounter with her, without ever knowing her identity. This idea became the foundation of the script he developed with his friend Franco Arcalli. Initially, Dominique Sanda was cast in the ...

The Many Faces of Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar’s Eternal Muse
PortraitThe Many Faces of Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar’s Eternal Muse

Born on April 3, 1946, in Madrid, María Luisa Paredes Bartolomé—known to the world as Marisa Paredes—grew up in an era overshadowed by Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Raised in a humble family as the fourth child of a concierge and a homemaker, her childhood was marked by hardship. “I endured humiliation and abuse. How could I not ...

Pharrell Williams Becomes UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Education
Pharrell Williams Becomes UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Education

Pharrell Williams, global pop and fashion icon, was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for arts, education, and entrepreneurship during a ceremony held Tuesday at the United Nations organization’s headquarters in Paris. In an official statement, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO's Director-General, praised Williams as a "complete artist" and a "humanist ...

 Francisco Fullana, a Modern-Day Paganini
Chronicle Francisco Fullana, a Modern-Day Paganini

Beirut, it was time—high time to shed mourning and embrace the vibrant hues of life. Finally, it was time to rebuild, both this ruined country and its wounded souls, so this city of light could once more begin to heal. The musical evening of December 16, led by Spanish violinist Francisco Fullana as part of the Beirut Chants Festival, was a ...

Algeria: Imprisoned Author Boualem Sansal Transferred to Medical Care
Algeria: Imprisoned Author Boualem Sansal Transferred to Medical Care

Boualem Sansal, who has been detained since mid-November for "threatening state security," was transferred to a medical care unit, his publisher and lawyer in France reported on Monday. Speaking at a solidarity event held in a Paris theater, publisher Antoine Gallimard and lawyer François Zimeray addressed several hundred attendees. “We ...

Iranian Singer Parastoo Ahmadi Arrested for Daring Desert Concert
Iranian Singer Parastoo Ahmadi Arrested for Daring Desert Concert

On December 11, 2024, 27-year-old Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi performed an unprecedented concert in the Iranian desert, her hair uncovered and shoulders bare. Without an audience but streamed live on YouTube, the performance quickly went viral. Fully aware of the risks, Parastoo boldly defied Iran’s strict laws, which prohibit women from ...