A spotlight will be shone on the cultures and history of the Middle East at an evening of poetry and music next Tuesday, December 1.
Award-winning poet Ruth Padel will be reading from her book Learning to Make an Oud in Nazareth as the climax of the evening at the Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans which has been organised by Ver Poets.
The performance will highlight the themes of Ruth’s previous acclaimed book, The Mara Crossing, which dealt with migration, exile and the capacity to accept strangers.
Her latest work celebrates the different groups with links to the Holy Land – Jews, Christians, Muslims – the cultural heritage and the loss.
The event starts at 7.30pm and will also feature inter faith readings of classic Islamic, Jewish and Christian writing. Music will be provided by the Iraqi oud player Habib Karoon.
Ver Poets press officer Simon Bowden said: “The evening is designed to appeal to people of all religious persuasions – and those of no faith.
“We hope this event will inform and entertain anyone with an interest in the land of the three great Abrahamic religions – and reflects the common humanity behind the headlines and conflicts. Any profits will go to a refugee charity.”
Middle Eastern snacks will be on sale in the interval.
Tickets cost £5 and are available from the website.
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