I have some good news and some bad news

[Sahand Sahebdivani]

Hi everyone,

Yes, that's a dramatic subject line. I'll get to it in a moment! But here's a little story. When we started the Mezrab in de Jordaan area of Amsterdam, there was this old visitor who would come every single storytelling night. She had the age that warranted her telling us how old she was in both years and months. She never told a story. At least, until we had the coldest winter I can remember. The side walks had turned into sheets of ice and on a particular storytelling night we only had seven people (including my family of four). I asked her how she dared to come, while even the young visitors were too afraid! She told me she simply walked very slowly, holding on to the walls next to her. On that night she decided to talk. She told an amazing story of her life, daring to leave her husband at 40 and starting again, feeling that she has now lived two full lives! I asked her if she had been too shy to tell before with bigger crowds. She told me that at this age she has nothing to be shy about, but she doesn't have the voice that's loud enough for more than seven people. Yes, busy Mezrab nights are lovely, but it's these quiet nights that are magical.

So, bad news first? Here goes, the weather is crazy, so we are cancelling the Storylab this Friday, and the Balkan night this Saturday. Too bad, but it is what it is.

The good news is, we are going on with the open mic tonight, The Turkish 80ies/90ies Synth Pop night on Thursday, the regular storytelling night on Friday and the Mezjam on Sunday. Some nights might be a bit less busy, but we know that doesn't make them less special. Tickets for the Turkish night here!

You know what would be a great investment? Getting a Mezrab book (online, or at the Mezrab. Also check the ABC, Perdu or Atheneum). Paper never lets you down, even if public transport will.

Now next week, weather permitting, we have: 

- Off the Page, a Tuesday storytelling event hosted by Fer Rodil, who will challenge our storytellers to look at the connection between the performed story and the world of literature!

- The Mamar Quintet bringing their unique blend of Global Jazz on Thursday. Just listen to some songs here and buy tix. 

- On Saturday next week we bring the absolute weirdness of the Alt Comedy Night. All the funny that doesn't fit on a regular comedy night is here! Tickets.

That's it for now! Enjoy the snow.

Sahand & Team

www.mezrab.nl

PS, Another bit of fantastic news is that my dear friend and one of the best poets I have had the pleasure to read, Nisrine Mbarki Ben Ayad, will be named Poet of the Netherlands. She will officially receive the title from February 1st and will carry it for two years! She's been a longtime Mezrab fan as well, coming to the very first location. I will try to force her to come and read from her work!

PPS, I know that we have our nights in English to be inclusive of all our audiences, but many of us also really love the Dutch language. To make sure we don't forget the beautiful language, even if just to be able to read the work of Nisrine, we have started a collaboration with Societeit de Kring. So if you want to listen to some Dutch stories, come on January 15 to de Kring!

PPPS, we are still looking for students for our courses this year: three day intro courses, courses on how to deal with Fear, a One day deep dive including a show called Storylab, a six month professional course. All info on these workshops on www.mezrabstorytellingschool.nl . Also don't forget to like the Storytelling School on Instagram!