Goodbyes.

[Sahand Sahebdivani]

Hi everyone,

This week we (the world) sadly said goodbye to the Iconic French-Iranian artist Marjane Satrapi. You probably know her as the creator of the canonical graphic novel Persepolis, which depicts the Iranian revolution of 1979 through the eyes of a young girl. Her family said Satrapi died of a broken heart, following the death of her husband a year before. I can only imagine the news of her country added to her personal pain. We mourn her loss, and take solace in what she left behind. A body of work that will last beyond our years. Among them a title often overlooked, I haven't  seen it mentioned when people wrote about her passing: a graphic novel called "Chicken with Plums". In this story she recounts the story of her great uncle, a man who, when his wife broke his beloved musical instrument, also passed away from sadness. A small joy then, that with her passing you get to enjoy the works of her you didn't know.

Satrapi's passing carries a lesson for us. One we know of course, but need to be reminded of from time to time. One is the obvious, our time here is very short, and we need to spend it in good company. The other is one I personally, as a storyteller, often resisted. Yes, the live performance has something that cannot be recorded or put down on paper. But when we try to do so, we might leave something behind when we are not here personally to tell our stories. 

Here's to togetherrness with good people. Invite them to the following (or come alone and make new friends):

- Tue Jun 9 / Off the Page / The new night developed by Fernando Rodil in which he asks storytellers to help play micro theater plays written by friends. In the mean time he creates a theater piece together with the audience! The first edition was a blast, now he's back for more! The night is free (donations appreciated), doors 19.00, plays 20.00

- Thrs Jun 11 / Amsterdam Klezmer Band Club night and album release /  We love them and so should you. Read, listen and buy tickets here! Hoppa!

- Sat Jun 13 / Rebetiko Against the Machine / All the hoppas you can shake a stick at. Come!

- Sun Jun 14 / Mezjam / Session leader Babak guides us in a musical meeting. Take an instrument, or simply come to listen! Free night, doors 19.00, music 20.00

- Thrs Jun 18 / Nano Stern / Chilean super star and brilliant song writer visits Amsterdam on his European tour. Tell everyone, buy your tix! 

- Sat Jun 20 / Alt Comedy Night / The weirdest night of alternative comedy in which top acts from all over the world show us comedy has evolved beyond standing and joking into a mic. Try it here.

I hope theré s plenty of stuff for you to enjoy here. See you at the events!

Sahand & Team

www.mezrab.nl

PS This week we also mourn the passing of former Dutch Poet Laureate Lieke Marsman. Whose loss also reminds us of how poetic the Dutch langauge can be:

Is het mijn sterfdag?
De lucht is stil, als lucht
op een kalender
Is het mijn sterfdag?
Vergeet klokken die luiden
De lucht is stil, als lucht
Is het mijn sterfdag?
Vergeet engelen en psalmen
Ik wil het vanille van een oud boek
Ik wil een koud flesje bier
en ik wil jou, nog één keer
Vergeet vogels die zingen
Ik wil mijn hond horen drinken


PPS Aware of our own mortality we at the Mezrab decided to write a book with short stories. A Mezbook! Get a copy in the Mez or at some of the Amsterdam book stores that carry it. Also available on our website if you live too far away.

PPPS In happier news, Fernando Rodil isn't just a great host, he also made a beautiful solo show about life and mortality, Fer is on a deadline, which he played in the Finland Fringe festival. There his show won the audience prize!