Dash Cafe

Art & Conflict - the Case of Syria

Dash Café Arabic Series presents a conversation around “Art and Conflict – the Case of Syria” with live music from the dash cafe house band. In association with Literature Across Frontiers and Firefly International.

What is the role of art in situations of conflict? Can art convey the horrors of war, interpret conflict and reveal  human nature caught in the middle of inhuman conditions in ways fundamentally different from journalistic reporting?  How can art that responds to conflict empower both the makers and the viewers?

These and other questions will be discussed by a panel chaired by The Independent columnist and commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in conversation with the author of The Road from Damascus Robin Yassin-Kassab, Al-Hayat journalist and prose writer Ghalia Kabbani, cultural activist and director of Reel Syria Dan Gorman and others.

The Dash Café will also feature our house duo Fantazia. Fantazia play a breathtakingly rootsy blend of Gnawa, Chaabi and Dance which draws on the vibrant rhythms and rich musical tradition of North Africa. Built around the original compositions of Algerian oud player Yazid, Fantazia’s irresistible grooves create a sizzling party atmosphere that soon has any audience on its feet and dancing.

Dash Arts’ monthly Café will explore the wider world of the Arabic Series. Each café will feature music, films, talks or discussions and will be a wonderful place to meet, chat and socialise.

Dash Arts www.dasharts.org.uk