Manama: A literary majlis seeking to highlight existing talent has brought together two Qatari poets with poetry fans and literary aficionados.
The two-hour literary majlis of traditional recitals featuring Hessa Al Awadhi and Ali Mirza was modelled on the traditional majlis, a gathering place where the hakawati, a traditional poet or storyteller, spoke.
In the past, the hakawati often travelled from town to village, recounting the oral histories handed down from generation to generation.
“This project provides Qatari and Gulf writers the unique opportunity not only to discuss their literary work but also to share it with the wider community,” Ali Mirza, also a playwright, said. “These discussions will also contribute to spreading awareness about the richness of Gulf literature,” he said, following the event hosted by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre.
The majlis, held on Wednesday, follows a similar event in March that focused on fiction writers Mai Al Naqib and Abdul Aziz Al Mahmoud. Both events highlight Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation’s commitment to promote local and regional literary talent, in addition to hosting events that both educate and enrich the local community, organisers said.
“As a publishing company, we are constantly exploring new ways in which to develop the pursuit of literary excellence in Qatar,” Arend Küster, Acting Director of Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, said. “The Literary Majlis works not only to highlight existing talent but also to inspire and nurture the next generation of writers, poets and artists.”
Hessa Al Awadi has published six volumes of poetry, and numerous illustrated books of poetry and short stories aimed at entertaining and educating children and young readers. Her work appears in both English and Arabic.
Ali Mirza has acted in, produced and directed numerous plays. He has also published many volumes of poetry. He is a founding member of Qatar’s theatre movement, established in 1970.
