The Closing of the Western Mind
Historian Charles Freeman talks us through his last three books that deal with Paganism, heretics, the early Christian Church, Greek philosophy and the “Swansong of Free Speech”. “Did an authoritarian and politicised early Christian church put paid to the Pagan tradition of Reason, debate and tolerance?”.
Shen Wei Dance Arts
New York-based Chinese choreographer, Shen Wei is now touring with his new dance trilogy “Re-(I, II, III)”. He hit international headlines with his choreography for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Valentina Bonelli caught up with him in Parma.
It’s OK to go to Congo (and New York)
When I say I am going to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), eyebrows generally raise, and “Is that a good idea?” is murmured under furrowed brow.
French Family Life: Adieu!
Modern economic demands have eroded the basic French social structure to such an extent that the traditional vision of French society increasingly fails to reflect the reality of contemporary French family life.
The Defiant People of the Caucasus
Oliver Bullough talks to The Global Dispatches about his new book “Let our Fame be Great - Journeys among the defiant people of the Caucasus”.
Stacey Kent in Paris
Stacey Kent recently played the Grand Rex in Paris to promote her new CD - “Raconte moi”. The US-born jazz singer is no stranger to France. She was awarded the “Chevalier des Arts et Lettres” (2009) in recognition of her contribution to the arts. She mixes timeless French classics like “Le Mal de Vivre” with new songs written by young songwriters.
Nawal al Saadawi
Author, feminist, psychiatrist, political acitivist with over 40 books published in a multitude of languages. She has braved jail and fundamentalist death lists but still continues to fight injustice both in Egypt and throughout the world. Dr Al Saadawi speaks to The Global Dispatches about her future plans and recent experiences in the USA.
Lipsynch: Avail Yourself of Wonderment
French-Canadian director Robert Lepage has had international success with his innovative theatre productions that have traveled the globe.
Decrepit Florence
Two middle-aged and poorly disposed travellers make their way to Florence. The result was a series of back aches, some memory loss, far too many half baked impressions and a few insights into where Le Corbusier stole his ideas from and the reason why Winkelmann may have led us all astray, from Benvenuto Cellini that is.
Sharks in Paradise
It’s a beautiful balmy morning in paradise and we’re about to plunge into the Pacific Ocean for a dive. Rangiroa, an enormous atoll in the Tuamotus, French Polynesia, is renowned for its spectacular diving, and for good reason.