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IWP author and Jordanian journalist breaks cultural barriers
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By ELIZABETH [email protected]
Never afraid of controversy,Palestinian-born writer LailaAl-Atrash became a householdname following the publicationof her first article.
Although originally a novelist,the International Writing Pro-gram participant started acareer in journalism after a rela-tive urged her to publish articlesin a newspaper. Her first article,feminist in nature, sparked amonth-long debate that resultedin a permanent reporting posi-tion with another publication.
After several years working asa journalist, she returned to herpassion: writing novels. At timesthe balance between the two wasdifficult. Media demand time andresearch. However, Al-Atrashhad little choice. Her career inthe media covered expenses writ-ing novels would not.
While her involvement in the
IWP has halted most of her jour-nalistic writing, she continues towork on her sixth novel, a narra-tive about the newer generationof the Middle East and a dramat-ic divide in beliefs within the cul-ture, a divide instigated by theinterference of the West.
The IWP provides an oppor-tunity for her to discuss thisboundary between the West andthe East with other writers andcommunity members.
“I want to meet people, to talk
about my country, to talk aboutmy beliefs,” she said.
Al-Atrash enjoys meetingpeople and exchanging points ofview. She believes the divisionbetween the two cultures ismore than miscommunication;rather, it originates from cen-turies of stereotyping.
A lot of today’s Middle East mis-conceptions, she said, arise fromthe compilation of stories A Thou-sand and One Nights (also knownas Arabian Nights). One exampleof stereotyping is the notion thatMiddle Eastern women areoppressed sexual objects for maleuse. Al-Atrash agrees that prob-lems exist but said she believesthat the advancements andachievements with women’s rightshave been overlooked.
The interference of the Westhas actually inhibited progress,she said, and changing culturaland social attitudes is difficult;liberating women is not easy.The fastest way to diminishthese misinterpretations isthrough dialogue, somethingthe IWP facilitates, she said.
The Iowa program creates aunique situation because of thedifferent cultures, backgrounds,and experiences that the writ-ers contribute, she said.
This dialogue with peersmakes Al-Atrash’s experienceworthwhile. The “insider” dis-cussion provides new insight toliterature and culture thatwould otherwise be neglected.
“It’s much better to hear fromthem, know them, and ask ques-tions,” she said.
In addition to intellectual dis-course, Al-Atrash also appreci-ates the culture Iowa Cityoffers. Her daily walks allow herto bond with the city.
“You have to find your owncontact with a place as a writer.Sometimes what doesn’t attracta normal person is very attrac-tive to a writer, so I’m trying tofind mine.”
Arts&CultureThe Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, October, 10, 2008 - 7A
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TRENDSPOTTER
Tune your radio to KRUI 89.7 FMfrom 5-6 tonight for “80 Hours onAir,” the weekly DI radio show. DIreporter Claire Lekwa will share herinterview with Anna Walters, facilitatorof StoryCorps, who interviewed localresidents about their flood experi-ences.
ON THE AIR
ON THE WEBWant a personal look into thelives of the UI’s international writers? Watch video interviewsthroughout the semester with
each global scribe in the program over atdailyiowan.com.
By REBECCA [email protected]
More often than not, thosewithout an ear for classicalmusic picture the cello as adroll, average piece of anorchestral puzzle. In fact, thosewho have never exposed them-selves to classical music mayeven be prone to dismissing itas something for the “oldtimers.” Fortunately, Iowa CelloSociety officials are aiming toturn these deaf ears toward theseventh-annual Cello Daze fes-tival, relieving any misconcep-tions one holds about the cello.
Organized by UI music facul-ty members Anthony Arnoneand Hannah Holman, the IowaCello Society has been participating in the weekendchock-full of rehearsals, masterclasses, social events, panel dis-cussions, and of course con-certs, since 2002.
“We have had some of thebiggest cello teachers in thecountry come here,” Holmansaid. “Students from UI as wellas from around the state havebeen able to meet and play forsome of these fantastic teachersthat they might not otherwisehave had the opportunity to. Itis also inspiring for cellists herein Iowa to hear what is possiblein the big wide world.”
This year’s Cello Daze willfeature special guests NormanFischer, Greg Hamilton, andIowa City native Lindsay Mac.
For both Holman and
Arnone, the idea to have a cellochoir was practically a no-brainer, because the cello is aninstrument more conducive togroups. Holman even admittedto becoming a bit emotionalwhen seeing and hearing the“glorious” sound of a largegroup of cellos playing together.
From the outset, it seems asif the Iowa Cello Society hasbeen nothing but a completesuccess. Members not only havethe chance to make pricelessconnections with top instruc-tors, they also connect with fel-low cellists who are able torelate on a more personal level.
Cello Daze has been very bene-ficial in this respect, Arnonesaid.
“It allows us to gather manycellists from the area,” he said.“They get to know and learnfrom each other, and becomeexposed to different ideas.”
As a result of this exposure,Cello Daze is a place in whichaudiences are greeted bysounds and styles not conven-tionally conceived for the celloat all. For instance, cellist Machas a folk/alternative style inwhich the cello can play like aguitar.
The cello choir can and most
likely will play any kind ofmusic throughout this week-end’s event, Arnone said, andpeople will be surprised by thevariety. That, along with thelove these musicians have fortheir craft, will ensure thataudiences come away with acompletely new understandingof the limitless capabilities ofthe cello.
“We’ve played everythingfrom the Beatles to Bach toJames Bond. We do every kindof music,” Arnone said. “Anysong can be arranged for a cellochoir, if you’re creativeenough.”
CONCERT“Cello Daze” Weekend
When: 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Oct. 12
Where: Preucil School, 524 N. Johnson (Saturday);
150 Clinton Street Music 376 (Oct. 12)Admission: Free
For a complete schedule, visitwww.iowacellosociety.org.
READINGLaila Al-Atrash (Jordan) &
Haifa Bitar (Syria)When: 5 p.m. today
Where: Shambaugh HouseAdmission: Free
BECKY MNUK/THE DAILY IOWANAnnette Jakovcic (age 11) plays her cello at the home of her teacher, Hannah Holman, on Thursday. Jakovcic will perform in Cello Daze, a weekend of perform-ances and master classes for Iowa cellists.
PUBLICITY PHOTOLaila Al-Atrash has sparked controversy in her career as a writer.
BREAKING THROUGH MISCONCEPTIONSIWP author and Jordanian journalistand novelist breaks cultural barrierswith candid conversation.
‘Cello-mania’ sweeps into ICThe Iowa CelloSociety brings itspassion and diversity to thepublic with theseventh annual“Cello Daze” weekend.
