Culture

South African Ballet Visionary Dada Masilo Dies at 39
South African Ballet Visionary Dada Masilo Dies at 39

The global dance community is in mourning following the sudden death of South African choreographer and dancer Dada Masilo, who passed away this weekend at the age of 39. According to a statement from her family, Masilo died unexpectedly on Sunday after a short illness, leaving the artistic world in shock and sorrow. Born in the township of ...

Iran: Narges Mohammadi, Freedom in Letters of Blood
Iran: Narges Mohammadi, Freedom in Letters of Blood

Temporarily released for medical reasons since December 4, Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian human rights activist, granted a rare interview to Elle magazine, revealing her literary projects and her relentless struggles behind bars. Winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, Mohammadi has been imprisoned multiple times over the past 25 years for her stance ...

Tintin, Popeye, Hemingway, and Ravel Lose Copyright Protection in the U.S.
Tintin, Popeye, Hemingway, and Ravel Lose Copyright Protection in the U.S.

Every January 1, thousands of books, films, songs, musical pieces, artworks, and comic characters—95 years old—lose their copyright protection in the U.S. This means they can now be freely copied, shared, reproduced, or adapted, without paying a cent in royalties. The Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University’s law school ...

Joseph Tarrab, Art Critic and Chronicler of Beirut, Has Passed Away
Joseph Tarrab, Art Critic and Chronicler of Beirut, Has Passed Away

A journalist, writer, theater enthusiast, and art critic, Joseph Tarrab’s career spanned decades, resulting in a remarkable body of books and articles. Bestowed the title of Officer of the Order by Henri Le Breton, cultural advisor and director of the French Institute of Lebanon, on behalf of French Culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti, his ...

Paris, a Shining Star of New Year’s Eve 2024
Paris, a Shining Star of New Year’s Eve 2024

Closing a year defined by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the French capital brought together over a million people on the Champs-Élysées. Beneath a sparkling winter sky, Paris shone brighter than ever, delivering an unforgettable spectacle. The festivities began with a sumptuous performance by the dancers of the Moulin Rouge, ...

Lebanon, a Nation Suffering from Its Leaders
SpotlightLebanon, a Nation Suffering from Its Leaders

Amid the turmoil Lebanon is enduring, the psychological factors at play, which are crucial, are often overlooked. At the root of this profound crisis lies a political class responsible for the current decay, a class whose psychological dysfunctions border on true mental pathologies. Stuck at an infantile stage of development, the men and women in ...

World Celebrated New Year, UK Faced Weather Disruptions
World Celebrated New Year, UK Faced Weather Disruptions

Around the world, every country geared up to welcome the new year with its own distinct customs and celebrations. From the dazzling fireworks in Sydney to the lively parties in New York, cities prepared for a vibrant display of tradition and festivity. In places like Paris, where the Eiffel Tower lighted up the night sky, and in Cape Town, where ...

Rediscovering Mont Blanc: A Timeless Treat for Festive Gatherings
Rediscovering Mont Blanc: A Timeless Treat for Festive Gatherings

Mont Blanc is a cornerstone of French patisserie. This iconic cake takes its name from the majestic Alpine peak, its conical shape and snow-like topping echoing the mountain’s eternal snows. Mont Blanc: A Dessert of History and Symbolism While its exact origins remain unclear, they are thought to lie somewhere between France and Italy, two ...

Vienna, Venice and Berlin: Musical Nationalism in New Year's Concerts
SpotlightVienna, Venice and Berlin: Musical Nationalism in New Year's Concerts

The arrival of the new year is heralded by global festivities, with New Year's concerts at the forefront. These events, featuring renowned orchestras and conductors, have become key annual celebrations for music enthusiasts, offering a melodic exploration of Europe's rich musical heritage while ushering in a sense of joy and hope for the coming ...

As Year Ends, Power Couple Brangelina Close Their Chapter
As Year Ends, Power Couple Brangelina Close Their Chapter

Famed actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie signed their divorce settlement on Monday, as reported by People Magazine. This agreement brings a pivotal moment to their eight-year-long legal saga, a case that has captivated global audiences. Angelina Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, confirmed the settlement, stating that Jolie is “focused on ...

This is Beirut's 'Walk of Fame:' They Left Us in 2024
This is Beirut's 'Walk of Fame:' They Left Us in 2024

This is Beirut presents its Walk of Fame dedicated to iconic figures from the artistic and cultural world who passed away in 2024. From Hussein Madi to Olivia Hussey, including Donald Sutherland and Alain Delon, this selection, far from exhaustive, pays tribute to individuals whose talent and legacy marked this painful year. Hussein Madi (88) ...

Nigeria’s Iconic Calabar Carnival Dazzles with Culture Showcase
Nigeria’s Iconic Calabar Carnival Dazzles with Culture Showcase

Revellers dressed in glitzy, colorful costumes danced down the streets of Calabar, southern Nigeria, this weekend as giant speakers blasted Afrobeats for one of West Africa's most renowned carnivals. Every December, the celebration draws nearly two million partygoers to the capital of Cross River state, organizers said. Calabar Carnival, known ...