“I Matter” because…
"I Matter" Interactive dance performance by Nadra Assaf and Al-Sarab Dance Troupe
It was all confusing at the end. I stood there speechless, unable to find the proper words... it was pure luck that I remembered to breathe.
I tried to make sense of it all, and while it made perfect sense (for it was as it should have been), I could only wonder how this has never been done before. Not like this. Not in this way.
The previous lines, I hope, explain exactly how I felt after watching a dear friend and her group of wonderful dancers perform a little “experiment” called “I Matter”. But first, a little secret:
For as much as I love the arts, I never really felt anything towards the abstract forms; rather, I steered clear unless, much like this past Saturday, it was in support of a friend. (thank you for insisting)
So here I go to walk you through what is in fact, not a performance, nor a dance, nor an abstraction of a performance-dance. It is, quite simply, an experience. Of which kind? Stick around.
We were being led from one room to the next by the dancers. But first, as Nadra spoke the words that would indeed change your perspective on life, on what you think of others... on what you think of yourself... she starts shifting people around... be it dancers or innocent audience members.
The dancing, well that was happening right in between us. We stood there, afraid to move, afraid to block the passage for those who were flying amongst us. What moved me most though, were the expressions held on their faces. They smiled, then stared, they felt loss, pain, sadness. They smiled again.
They challenged each and every one of us to look straight into their very souls and see. They wanted to see just how we, just how I, affected this very moment. They bumped into one another, they bumped into us, they shook us right out of our reality into a world, where words stop making sense. For once in my life, I did not try to make sense of abstraction, but abstraction tried to make sense out of me.
They screamed, they were silent. They moved, they stood still. They were the most beautiful contradiction, I ever had the pleasure to witness.
They moved us again, to the initial room. On the platform, were 2 of the dancers. Wrapped in duct tape. The lights were dim. They wiggled, they moved about, they tried to break free from their self-imposed shackles. What were the shackles though? I am sure your understanding would have been different from mine. They finish and we are, again, led to the other room.
Some are placed dead center, some around. The dancers form a tight group in the middle of the room... but as you prepare for their motion, there she comes, flying into them... no hesitation... no anticipation... zooming past you and flying into the faces of the troupe. They collapse on the floor.
But now, it is time for the audience to participate. Now, as one by one the dancers awake, Nadra picks some of us to mimic one specific dancer. Everyone complies, however hesitantly.
It’s almost over... were are now led atop the platform, and the dancers are dancing with us... we’re smiling.... we feel good about ourselves... we like this... but then a scream and in a split second all the dancers are off the platform, and much like someone who has been stripped of their clothes in the blink of an eye... we stood on up there... shocked... but then, the dancers... they started clapping... for us...
it was... well... it was the necessary orgasm at the end of love making. Without it, it’s pointless. In fact, it was the whole reason of why we had to go through the dance... We couldn’t just be placed on the platform and then have them clap now could we?
I didn’t clap... not fast... not at first... because I flashed back.... I re-witnessed every second of this.... experience... and I saw it... I understood:
First, was the flirting. Then came the soft kisses and warm embrace. After that, foreplay, followed by passionate love making, leading all the way up to the final orgasm. It was beautiful. It all made sense.
To Nadra Assaf and Al-Sarab Dance Troupe,
Thank you for reminding me of just how important I am. Thank you for sharing your most intimate selves with me. Thank you for the smiles, and the shocks. Thank you for being you.
I came in a friend, but I left a lover.
The magnificence of the performance, was perfect. Not almost... but perfect.... The difference for me was in the form of the wonderful dancer who wore the glasses.
Thank you all.... for it was, truly, orgasmic.
Marc Khoury
Book Review – “Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite” by Paul Arden
The initial thought i got, when i saw the book on display was: not another one!! although i must admit, the title was catchy, and the page i opened was interesting. so why did i not buy it? probably because of the many self-help and inspirational books out there, that are just plain silly. i did however, buy it eventually. hence the review.
the book is a 10 minute read (considering many people's average reading speed), it contains many photos for those of you who are verbose intolerant, and enough words to satisfy those of you who consider themselves thirsty for knowledge. DO NOT LET THAT FOOL YOU. just because it is a 10-min thing, does not mean it lacks the depth and insight you would expect from such books. it actually has more power than most other books i have read in a long time.
in short the book, written by a master of the creative industry, provides the quick lessons it would take us years to learn; it does so, with wit and easy flowing examples. almost nothing is without real life examples and that makes it all the more interesting to read.
Who is this book for? Everyone. Anyone. All those interested in taking charge in their lives and achieving their own version of success are best served through the reading of this book. You'll want to read it over and over again, and since it is a fast read, that would not be a problem to anyone.
If you ever do read it, drop me a line and tell me which is your favorite thought of them. Mine was the one about decisions. here's the amazon link.
Amazon.com: Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite (9781591841210 ...
A New World Order (i hope)
Here we are, at the dawn of the 21st century, and we still witness the cruelties and ugliness of war due to some over greedy, over idiotic politics ruling the world. yet, within it all, from within really, seems to be rising a wonderful star, this is the new world order i wish for everyone.
A friend of mine has shown me Playing For Change the movement, and some of their videos. These guys are just amazing. the concept, quite simple, uniting the world through music. take a moment and visit their site, after which i hope you will join the cause... i sure have. Their URL is: http://www.playingforchange.com and here's a video from their youtube channel. Enjoy!
Marc
The Papal Condom
Don't get on my back just yet! read me out!
You see, it is no secret that I have major issues with organized religion... but this is something I have even more problems with! You see the pope, as representing the church, has declared the usage of condoms contrary to God's will... the same for all manners of contraception... if you are to have sex, it should be for the sake of reproduction... do not under any circumstance oppose that will, and therefore no condoms (we will leave the others aside for now)...
And so, as I was pondering the reasons why the pope would say such a thing, it suddenly dawned on me... a flash of memory... seeing the pope here, or on TV parading and saying hi to the people... much like a beauty queen... but he was being driven in a very... extremely... expensive bullet proof car... he's in a bullet-proof box... CAN YOU SEE THE HYPOCRISY?????
This is what I refer to as the Papal Condom... this box... i mean... where's the faith??? you're supposed to be the father of the church... it's biggest representative... the most devout of Christians... and you are wearing a condom???? what the @#$%?
Now some might argue that if it is God's will for the pope to die or be killed, it will happen regardless of bulletproof boxes... to which i answer... if God's will dictates that I have children every time I enjoy a night of sex with someone... it will happen regardless of condoms or any other form of contraception...
If you would kindly, therefore, abstain from criticizing my life, or even dictating the methods by which I should live, until you rid yourself of your Papal Condom...