How was you Prom?

[Sahand Sahebdivani]

Dear you,

In my last year of high school there was a girl that I liked. I don't know how I managed to ask her out for a night of drinks, being probably the most shy student of my year, even asking someone out for drinks seemed an insurmountable hurdle. But I managed and to my surprise she said yes. However, we were to meet her parents first. Now, parents I can do. I put on my most bookish Dutch and politely conversed about all topics they put on the table. And then it happened, as we left her mother whispered to her: "have fun, he seems nice". I realized with that nice, that her parents liked me for all the reasons that would make her not excited to be with me. The evening out was indeed... nice enough, but I didn't ask her to go to Prom with me. When classmates asked me if I had plans for Prom, I told them I didn't believe in this American nonsense. I told them I was too cool to attend. I'm sure they knew better. Now, I know I am not the only one who missed his Prom, or had an experience that could be much better. Often for reasons more significant than just being shy.

It's why this Saturday we are organizing the Queer Prom. For the symbolic ticket price of 10,- you get to make up for the Prom that didn't go as you deserved. Was it because you were not out of the closet and had to go with the one your parents approved? Or did you skip it like me? Come join us, as an out and proud party goer, or an ally who equally deserves to party! Info and tickets here.

Now, after Saturday we have a few other events I want to invite you to:

On Tuesday Sept 2 we start the Storytelling Tuesdays again with a night I host myself: MYTHOS. Let's dive into the old stories! The theme of this edition is betrayal, and I have invited a nice bunch of storytellers to tackle it. Night is free! (donations appreciated)

Saturday Sept 5 we kick off the new season of Comedy! Look here for the line up and grab your spots.

September is also the month in which two of my favorite Syrian artists bring their art to the Mezrab. On Thursday Sept 18 the Oud virtuoso Talal Fayad brings his quartet to join the club night of the Amsterdam Klezmer Band. The week after (Sept 25) he is numerically upstaged by the composer and clarinetist Ghaeth Almaghoot who will bring his quintet. Not to be missed!

Of course, we do much more, but I don't want to overload you. Just go to www.mezrab.nl and press on Full Program to check everything out.

There's a few extra things I'd like to mention before I close the mail:

- From September onwards we are closing the Friday nights in the Other Mezrab. So after this weekend's last edition, don't come to this night, unless you want to stand in front of a closed door.

- Next week the Amsterdam Fringe Festival starts and Mezrab is one of the stages! Go to their page and get tickets to shows that Mezrab artists made, or take a chance on someone you don't know!

- There's still spots for the course on Storytelling for Children I am offering in October. Want to go beyond the personal stories you share with friends? Sign up! Have a look on www.mezrabstorytellingschool.nl 

That's it! Hope to see you at the events!

Sahand & Team

www.mezrab.nl