This is Beirut - Culture

'The Unconscious Is Politically Incorrect, and Sexuality Fundamentally Harassing'

David Sahyoun, 25/12 18:00 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Psychoanalysis Quote Sexuality Culture Unconscious

"The unconscious is politically incorrect, and sexuality fundamentally harassing." This quote by psychoanalyst Jacques André reminds us how psychoanalysis remains a subversive discipline, shedding light on the darkest and most disturbing foundations of the human psyche. Far from complacency or moralizing, it confronts us with the radical ...

The Collector's Gene: Hidden Treasures of Camden Passage

This is Beirut, 25/12 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

London UK Christmas Art Exhibition Culture

In a lively alley in north London, a window captures attention. Papier-mâché masks, antique puppets, old-fashioned trains, and board games from another time create an enchanting scene that intrigues passersby. Yet, none of it is for sale. At number 43 Camden Passage, a blue door adorned with a Christmas wreath remains closed. This is not a shop, ...

Those Same Old Christmas Movies that Still Warm Our Hearts

Marie-Christine Tayah, 25/12 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Christmas Movie Culture Art Classic

This nostalgic feeling, unique to the festive season, combined with a comforting sense of familiarity, explains the enduring appeal of the same old Christmas movies. Knowing the plot in advance reduces stress and reassures us through what psychologists call emotional regulation. Rewatching these films allows us to view the world with a childlike ...

'L’Auberge de Noël:' A Magical Play for Christmas Time

Marie-Christine Tayah, 24/12 18:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Theater Culture Art Music Dancing Songs

This Christmas season, L’Auberge de Noël, produced by Les Bouffons and written and directed by Bruno Tabbal, continues the tradition of captivating audiences of all generations. With Cynthya Karam in the lead role and an exceptional cast, the show promises to immerse the audience in a world of wonder at Le Monnot theater. Both Karam and Tabbal ...

Parastoo Ahmadi Released on Bail after her Arrest

This is Beirut, 24/12 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Iran Art Culture

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was released on bail on December 23 by a Tehran court, two weeks after her arrest for performing an online concert without wearing the mandatory veil for women in Iran. According to local media, the young artist appeared at the 38th district court in Tehran with her lawyers. The charges against her were detailed, and ...

The Enchanting Legends and Untold Secrets of Notre-Dame de Paris

Bélinda Ibrahim, 24/12 10:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Notre-Dame Culture Paris Heritage

Notre-Dame de Paris, an iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is filled with legends, mysteries and fascinating anecdotes. Let's delve into some of the most captivating secrets of this emblematic cathedral, each reflecting the richness of its past. The Mystery of the Devilish Doors One of the most intriguing legends of Notre-Dame involves ...

Tunisia: CinemaTdour, a Mobile Truck Making Cinema Accessible to All

This is Beirut, 23/12 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Tunisia Algeria Africa Culture Art Cinema

"If you can't go to the cinema, it will come to you" might well describe CinemaTdour, a mobile cinema truck touring Tunisia to make the seventh art accessible to everyone, from rural areas to underserved neighborhoods. Dozens of workers joyfully step down from a large red truck parked in front of their factory in Djemmal, a central-eastern town ...

Arahmaiani: Indonesia’s Frida Kahlo and Freedom Advocate

This is Beirut, 23/12 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Culture Art Exhibition Indonisia

Indonesian artist Arahmaiani has lived many lives—from an imprisoned anti-dictatorship activist to a hippie, art teacher, and environmentalist. Her experiences have deeply inspired her work, which tests the limits of freedom and challenges societal norms. As a Southeast Asian artist, Arahmaiani spent years as a nomad after her paintings, ...

Stylish Christmas Slippers: The Stars of the Traditional Festive Season

Marie-Christine Tayah, 22/12 18:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Fashion Culture Art Christmas

Christmas slippers have become a true symbol of the season, reminding us of a cherished tradition that blends history, legend and modernity. Over time, they have undergone a subtle transformation, fusing ancient customs with contemporary tastes. A Tradition Anchored in History The history of Christmas slippers is deeply rooted in the past. Their ...

Mumbai’s Art Deco Heritage Faces Threats from Urban Modernization

This is Beirut, 22/12 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

India Mumbai Cinema Art Culture UNESCO

A towering cinema with a roofline reminiscent of an ocean liner stands out in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, a testament to the city’s remarkable Art Deco heritage, which campaigners warn is in urgent need of protection. Just a short walk away lies a state-run insurance office adorned with Egyptian-style carvings, alongside a palm-lined ...

Petram Chalach's 'Stereo Vision': Distilling Reality's Complexity

Béatrice Moreau, 22/12 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Exhibition Paintings Lebanon Culture

Lebanese self-taught artist Petram Chalach's ongoing solo exhibition "Stereo Vision" at Galerie Janine Rubeiz in Beirut showcases his unique ability to distill events, images and collective experiences into captivating painterly metaphors. The exhibition, which opened on December 18, 2024, and runs until January 17, 2025, marks Chalach's third ...

In Sudan, Aspiring Female Filmmakers Capture Resilience Amidst Conflict

This is Beirut, 21/12 18:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Cinema Film Art Culture Sudan Women

Amid over a year and a half of war, aspiring female filmmakers in Sudan are capturing stories of resilience and hope with their smartphones. This initiative is part of a project designed to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers. The film Ana Hona (“I Am Here”) follows Randa El-Taher and her friend Bekheita Abdallah, who lead the ...

Culture