A World I Loved: The Story Of An Arab Woman

A remarkable presentation combining readings, poetry and music prepared by Festival director Vanessa Redgrave and Mariam C Said – daughter of the ‘Arab Woman’ in question, Wadad Makdisi Cortas. This attempted to encapsulate the history of an incredible individual alongside the tumultuous history of the country she called home – Lebanon. Offering up education as a liberal oasis first to her, and then provided by her, this difficult journey through 20th century history in an unstable land made that way by British colonialism and arrogance provides a surprisingly hopeful story of human nature. She used her school to cross boundaries in culture, economics and beliefs.
Delivered by Vanessa Redgrave, Najla Said and Nadim Sawalha, with the clear voices of the Brighton Festival Choir and youthful musicianship from Karim Said, Sary Khalife and Stephen Bentley-Klein, this was a touching collaboration – clear hope and trust in the optimism and vitality of youth for the future.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 12 May 2012

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