“Why do I write? I’m going to go ahead and quote Szymborska on this: ‘I prefer the absurdity of writing poems to the absurdity of not writing” poems
Sukoon magazine is an online literary magazine and it’s something that I began, to also ll a void, to share the Arab narrative in English. Not as translations, but literature by Anglophone Arab writers from all over the world or western writers who have something to share about their Arab experience.”
Dana Dajani, with her wild tresses and infectious smile, is often found at these readings. A Palestinian actress and writer, Dajani is a member of Poeticians and a founding member of Floetics, a mesh of music, spoken word and improv. She shares the stage with Layla Khodjasteh, who sings, and together with musicians they offer other spoken word enthusiasts the chance to collaborate in various evenings in Dubai.
There is also the vibrant energy and intensity of young Palestinian Farah Chamma, who has been touring the world during the past year performing in four languages, often with a utist, an oud player and adoring fans gazing at her dishevelled hair and carelessly chosen funky T-shirts. Chamma, who joined the Poeticians at 16, shot to fame with a recorded poem on The Flex, a YouTube poetry-video channel conceived by Sadiece Holland, now based in Abu Dhabi. Chamma has spent the past three years MCing events in Sharjah’s Maraya Café, JLT’s Fraiche Café and, recently, Creekside café in Deira.
Returning to the UAE this autumn after attending the