The Diwan Foundation have adapted for performance the stories of award winning Syrian novelist Ulfat Al-Idlibi. She is well-known in Syria for her enchanting short stories of love, marriage, families, politics and revolution in Old Damascus which capture a world that is fast disappearing.

Two outstanding performers create this evening for us: Alia Alzougbi tells the stories while Louai Alhenawi provides the musical accompaniment. Alia is a BAFTA Scotland nominated actress, storyteller and dancer who was awarded the Best Storyteller award by The Fringe Report in 2011. She is part-Lebanese, part-Syrian and grew up in several countries in the Middle East. Louai is a Syrian musician, teacher and composer who specialises in the ney (Arabic flute), Arabic percussion (dabuka, daff and riqq) and Middle Eastern music. He has toured worldwide with many artists including Oojami, Terry Hall, Natacha Atlas, Shakira and others. He also leads and composes for his group Al-Farabi.

The stories you will hear during the evening are:

• Yousef Eid – A visit to the fortune teller known as the Hajjab, to fulfil wishes and read the future, taking us into 18^th century Damascus.
• The Drunkard – It is typical for people to go on the straight and narrow for the duration of the Holy month of Ramadan, only to return to their wayward ways soon after…
• The Angel of Luck is persuaded by the Angel of Mercy to grant the wishes of three young girls at the prime of their youth. Years later, he goes back to check on them…
• The Agha – Contrary to what the 24-hour rolling news would have you believe, rebellion against oppression has existed in the Arab world long before the Arab Spring.

Supported by the Diwan Foundation, a UK-based non-profit organisation with a focus on music, storytelling and dance from the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Asia and North Africa. This event is part of Celebrating Syria: A Festival of Arts and Culture (events listed here). Tickets are £10 / £8 / free for refugees and asylum seekers.