If you want proof that Lebanon’s famous cultural scene is alive and kicking, this week’s lineup will remind you of everything we love about this country and its indomitable creativity. 

An extraordinary story this week about the transformative power of Zeina Daccache’s plays awoke and delighted my inner theater kid. Dacacche, who has spent 13 years working with inmates of Lebanon’s Roumieh prison, has created plays that have helped change laws on prison sentencing and domestic violence. Read below for more details on her latest feat.

A comic paints a thousand words

Lebanon has a longstanding tradition of artists who use the medium for political expression and grassroots resistance. Emmanuel Haddad explores how graphic artists living in Lebanon are using their pens to protest against the violations committed by Israel in the occupied enclave.

A Lebanese love triangle, à la Brazil

Jim Quilty transports us to the Amazon rainforest this week via his immersive study of Marcelo Gomes’ film “Portrait of a Certain Orient” – a love story that starts in North Lebanon and whose protagonists flee to the Brazilian town of Manaus. Just as captivating as its plot is the gorgeous black-and-white photography that characterizes the film. Feast your eyes on some stills from the film in Quilty’s piece. 

An underground haven for Lebanon’s artists 

Now I know where I’ll be headed for my next night out, thanks to Marguerita Sejaan’s tour of Gaumont Art Lab – an alternative venue “that actually cares about helping artists.” Run by 71-year-old art teacher Helein Karam, this underground space offers uncensored performances with a rebellious spirit.

Poetry for the people

Once seen as an elite art form, poetry in Lebanon is having a youth-driven revival. From Mar Mikhael to Jbeil, intimate open mic nights are providing a stage for fearless young voices — especially queer and feminist poets. 

A Culture Minister who gets it?

As the new government was formed this week, hopes are high all over the country and across various sectors of society, including among cultural figures. L’Orient Today met with various Lebanese writers, performers and activists to gather their thoughts on the new Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh. 

From prison walls to center stage

For 13 years, every play written and directed by Zeina Daccache has led to changes in penal and prison laws and incited social change. So the bar is set high for her latest play, “Ly chabakna ykhallessna” (“May he who bound us free us”). Fifi Abou Dib tells us what we can expect from her new production.