Pirates trading
Cultures remembering

I shall stretch the horizon
Of my home
And hold the moment still
A gift to give for a witnessing ocean

This eternal land
Knows my name

Pirates trading
Cultures remembering

I shall stretch the horizon
Of my home
And hold the moment still
A gift to give for a witnessing ocean

This eternal land
Knows my name

Poetry is not only a form of self-expression, but a therapeutic practice that can help a person come to terms with the emotional and personal turmoil they experience, according to our very own acclaimed Bahraini author Ali Al Saeed (and the driving force behind Elham), who launches his third book, Sad Man Dancing, in February.

Ali previously published the award-winning novel QuixotiQ, in 2004, and the national best selling and critically acclaimed collection of short stories Moments, in 2006; both of which have been reprinted this month. 

Sad Man Dancing will contain some of the most personal and intimate writings, delving into the author’s personality, his perspective on life, and the experiences he went through, with a versatile style that combines narrative, satire and simplicity.

Al Saeed, who turns 31 in February, believes that poetry is a form of self-expression unlike any other and that it is one of the strongest forms of therapeutic literature. The poems featured in this book were written during different phases of the author’s life reflecting the confusion, pain and the odd joy he’s experienced.

“I’m not a poet,” Al Saeed exclaims, “but I enjoy putting words together and pouring my deepest, darkest and at times random thoughts onto paper. It’s the only time that I write with a pen!”

“It’s a departure from my previous two titles, but I hope people will find something in this book and connect with its subject,” he added. 

The book – which features on its cover an image by American photographer Briana Kessler – will be launched early February with a special book tour around Bahrain, including book signings, recitals and talks. 

In November 2006, I was approached with the idea of doing a book about the Indians in Bahrain.  The subject was exciting to me because it seemed tailor-made for challenge. There was hardly any record, almost no documentation, many of the protagonists were no longer living, but yet everyone knew the history was long and certainly important. This was the challenge, and this eventually made this book a deeply personal journey into the stories of many brave and courageous individuals and families who live in Bahrain even today.

At times, the stories I heard moved me beyond measure, and I have tried to instill that feeling and emotion into my words. On another level, I have come to understand and appreciate many things about life as a foreign expatriate. The words are a much-used, bandied around term, but when you go back into the history, especially of the Indian expatriate, you realize all that the term encompasses.

You realize the sacrifice, the commitment, the vision and spirit of adventure that have gone before. It seems amazing today, in view of the tensions that threaten our global society, the contradictions that beg for answers, the lack of understanding and compassion between races, cultures, religions, that here in Bahrain we have an example of a relationship rooted in tolerance and empathy, which no one can deny has withstood the test of time. It quite literally goes to show that differences do not matter, when the spirit is generous.

The people of Bahrain have through years of hospitality and tolerance and an appreciation of others’ contribution, made this country a unique one. The first Indian traders and travelers found this spirit when they landed on an unknown island country. It is this that made them stay on here, adopting Bahrain as a home. It is the same spirit that continues to draw Indians to this country.

In a nutshell one could say that while Footprints in Time is a celebration of the soul and indomitable character of the Indian, it is also a celebration of relationships, of the triumph of human brotherhood.

Excerpt:

It is still unknown when the first links between India and Bahrain were established. Archaeological evidence goes back into the second millennium BC, but there is no conclusive indication that this is when it began. For the Indian and Mesopotamian traders, Bahrain was a halting point, where they refreshed themselves and prepared for the arduous journey still lying ahead. Oman, in the south, was already a trading hub, lying as it did on the Spice route, trading in its rich harvest of frankincense, but Bahrain lying further north and closer to Mesopotamia was at first more valuable as a strategic break point during the long journey. Its geographical position was reinforced by its natural features – artesian springs in the coastal areas, a deep belt of cereal and date cultivation, natural harbours – all of this ensured that weary sailors using the sea route between India and Mesopotamia inevitably stopped at Bahrain…

Part 1, pg 15, Footprints in Time ©

…The new spirit spread like wild-fire. Events in Bahrain and India simultaneously stoked the flames that were burning in the Indian heart. On the one hand, prosperity and growth beckoned from Bahrain’s oil-enriched economy, and on the other, the sense of a new chapter culminating from the painful yet successful birth of the Indian Republic. It brought forth a burst of adrenaline like no other. Business opportunities abounded, and those enterprising enough were ready and waiting. It was into such an atmosphere that the new breed of Indians entered into Bahrain. All had skills of some sort to offer, and those already here began thinking of innovative ways to establish and entrench themselves further.

Part 4, pg 108, Footprints in Time ©

 Footprints in Time: The Story of Indians in Bahrain. Author: Reena Abraham, Publishers: Miracle Publishing The author can be contacted at reena.at.work@gmail.com  The book is available at all leading bookstores in Bahrain. For more information contact the publishers at:  +973 17 295502

a poem by Carmela R. Labitoria

My map says 26
but my friends say 22
for they have counted them roundabouts
I need to see them, too
We went through humps
and we went through jams
We passed through green roundabouts
and also bald ones – the 18th, to be precise
It was fun for the first few roundabouts
but dragged after the third
because the road was long
and we were alone
We didn’t talk anymore
and I started to think other thoughts
and you yawned
as I looked through the car’s window
But we had to go on –
finish counting the 22 roundabouts
of Hamad Town
and of our own
And really, there are 22 roundabouts
which made me realize
I had more roundabouts with you
And you, too, knew
And we were both silent
You – diffident and shy
and I – sad but glad
that the 22 roundabouts had taught me how to count
in a foreign tongue
the many roundabouts we had had
and that the counting should end

ELHAM HAS A NEW LOOK
The creative arts group launches a brand new logo

Manama – for release on 29th October. Popular creative arts group Elham has marked the start of its third season with the launch of a brand new look. Last night at Juffair’s Cocoon Lounge, the group launched a colourful new logo, designed by a local Bahraini talent, with the aim to increase the group’s visibility and strengthen its position as a supporter of the local art scene.

‘The purpose of the logo and the proactive tagline “Let’s create” is to help us inspire, motivate and encourage more people to pursue their art and become part of an exciting arts movement merging Eastern and Western views,’ says Elham founding member Ali Al Saeed. ‘To move forward, we felt the need to create a strong visual identity for the group, and this new look is something everyone on the Elham team could identify with as creative individuals. It will also hopefully help us in our efforts to get sponsorship and funding, which are vital to our plans for growth and expansion.’

Talented digital artist and graphic designer Fawaz Alolaiwat was charged with the task of coming up with a design that would reflect the group’s vibrancy and creative spirit. ‘I think Elham is a great and wonderful concept that I wanted to be part of as soon as I heard about it,’ says Fawaz, ‘so I jumped at the chance to create the group’s logo when I was asked, and hope that I’ve created something suitably dynamic to reflect what this concept is all about.’ Fawaz, who showcased his work at Elham’s season debut in September, is lending his innovative design skills and wealth of experience to the group in other areas too.

‘Fawaz is one of a number of talented creatives who have joined the team this season and are sure to take Elham in all sorts of interesting directions,’ adds Ali. ‘This is definitely the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the group.’

The new logo was officially launched during Elham’s 14th monthly gathering, which took place at Cocoon Lounge, and featured poetry by Carla Labitoria, a screening of photography by Ali Riffai, Loredana Mantello and Carla Saliba, and original music created especially for the event by producer Tarik Omar. Elham’s next event is a photographers’ day out on 14th November.

For more information on the group, visit www.elhambahrain.net

Sunday 4:30-6:15 Drawing and Painting

Monday 7-9:00 pm Creativity Workshop

Tuesday 9-11:30 The Painting Studio

Wednesday 9-11:30 The Art and Craft of Watercolour

(All classes are designed as year long courses, but are broken into 4 or 5 week terms, for your convenience. Come when you can! They are all held at my studio in Awali. Materials for the first week, snacks and beverages are included.)

Creativity Workshop- A great chance for people who have to work in the day to come out at night and CREATE! If the group agrees, I’d like to work in big loose bright and splashy watercolour, loosely based on landscape or still life. But we’ll do what you want to do, so let’s wait and see. (5 weeks starting Oct. 6th, for BD45, with some materials provided.)

Drawing and painting (for 11- 88year olds). This after-work and after-school course is really designed for creative mums and teens, but anyone can join. We will work with a wide variety of media, starting with drawing in black and white and moving on to painting in water colour and acrylics. There will be some new adventure every week. (All materials are included. BD40 for one person, or BD75 for 2 people . 4 week course starts Oct 12th)

The Painting Studio isn’t really a class. It’s a group of painters who meet to work on their own projects in a supportive and stimulating environment with, I hope, a bit of inspiration and guidance and occasional tuition from me. It’s currently full, but please enquire if you are interested. (5 weeks starting Oct. 7 for 35BD, no materials provided))

The Art and Craft of Watercolour: Designed as a year long course, but broken into 4 and 5 week chunks, this is both an introduction to this delightful but often maddening medium, and an opportunity for more advanced painters to broaden and deepen their skills. One week will be “craft based” with demonstrations and experiments with new techniques and approaches. The next week,will be “art-based” giving you the time to apply the new techniques to subject matter and ideas of your own, with help from me, of course. (5 weeks starting Oct 8th for BD45. Materials provided for the first week, but not after.))

For more info, please contact me, Seana Mallen, at mallengallery@gmail.com ,

call 3953 8691 or visit awaliarts@moonfruit.com.

If you’d like to see my work or learn more about me, please visit www.smmallen.moonfruit.com

Are you a lonesome shower singer who wants to sing in glorious harmony with others like you?

Have you always wanted to join a choir, but can’t commit to the lengthy, intense rehearsal schedule of a massed choir or read music?

Do you want to sing contemporary, fresh and funky repertoire with influences such as gospel, pop, jazz and rock?

Then join the SOUNDS GREAT! Acapella Singing Workshops!!!!

Throughout this course, you will sing Acapella pieces in Popular, Contemporary and Gospel styles and learn singing technique as well as fundamentals such as breathing techniques, placement, singing in tune and harmonising with other enthusiastic singers in an enriching, fun and relaxed environment.

SOUNDS GREAT COURSE DETAILS

Dates: Mondays 6th, 13th & 20th October *, 3rd, 10th & 17th November 2008
(*no lesson 27th October)
Time: 7:30 – 9 pm
Where: Juffair (address given on enrolment)
Cost: BD 60 for 6 week course of 1 ½ hours / week
(WOW! That’s only BD10 a lesson!!)

For Enrolments and Enquiries please email soundsgreat@lycos.com

Our project to produce a compilation CD featuring original music by local and regional acts is finally in full gear. The first recording sessions were held recently at Mello Studio, where composer and producer Hashim Al Alawi recorded tracks with Goan artist and musician Arthur D’souza and Australia singer/songwriter Greg Millard.

Several other bands have confirmed their participation in this unique and ambitious project which will focus on bringing a genre of music that’s neglected, to the fore.  The songs on the CD will be mainly alternative, folk and progressive rock.

Ali Al Saeed, best-selling author of QuixotiQ and Moments, and founding member of Elham, will publish a new short story exclusively in FACT magazine starting in the issue of October. The story, serialized over six issues, has never appeared in print before. It will also feature illustrations by artist Fawaz Alolaiwat. You can read the first segment in next month’s FACT, selling in all newsagents for BD1 only.