citylife@list.co.uk
A‘SIIVAIS
H FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE
The unofficial City of Festivals welcomes another impressive event to its brood. The delights of all Edinburgh festivals lie in their diversity and style, and this latest recruit is set to provide the perfect platform for topics generally unfurnished on the masses. Organised and coordinated by the International Centre
for World Spiritualities and the
Keeping the Faith
notion that practising peace locally in our lives not only empowers us individually and collectively, but also
promotes peace and justice in the world.
Elsewhere the public talks programme includes ‘Science and Spirituality’, which considers the crisis of faith in science and the need for a new enlightenment. If interaction is more your inclination, check out storytelling workshop, ‘Wise Fools and Spiritual Quests in Middle Eastern Stories’. During this event, participants
will be encouraged to explore
Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning, this inaugural multi-cultural salutation merges film, conference and debate with meditation, workshops, drama and music.
Highlights include workshop, ‘Where’s the Power’, which explores the different ways of dealing with obstacles to peace. It’s founded upon the
0 Where’s the Power Fri 5 Mar. St George's West Church, 58 Shandwick Place. 70am—4.30pm, £7—£5, 0737 337 4469
- Science and Spirituality Fri 5 Mar. Martin’s Hall, New College, The Mound, 7—9.30pm, Free, 0737 337 4469
- Wise Fools and Spiritual Quests in Middle Eastern Stories Sat 6 Mar. St George '3 West Church, 58 Shandwlck Place, 72. 30pm—4.30pm. £7.50 (£5), 0737337 4469 0 One World Peace and Justice Concert‘ Sat 6 Mar. St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, 6.30—70pm, £4.50 (£350), 337 4469.
different kinds of storytelling in small groups before sharing them informally. And finally, if the arts are your favourite aspects to festivals, look no further than the Middle Eastern themes ‘One World Peace and Justice Concert’, which come replete with medieval music, drama and dance. A truly alternative festival experience. (Anna Millar)
FROLICS WITHOUT BOLLOCKS
Lovely lyrical ladies
Popular slammers
102 THE LIST -'- "-- '.'i.:' B’.’ '.
With International Women's Day on the hon/on it's time for women to get together and celebrate. Onc- such celebration taking place is the appropriately titled ConFAB event. ‘Frolics Without Bollocks'. This full-on night of poetry and prose WI“ be hosted by an impressive collection of women paying tribute to the work of some of poetry's female greats.
But why does it have to be an unusual event Just because it is all women performers? ‘We didn't want to bang on about it being International Women's Day so we've Just made it a girlie thing as it's that time of year.’ says organiser and poet Rachel .Jury. As well as being an all female lineup. the performers were also chosen because of their ability and great diversity. according to Jury.
The wordsmiths performing on the night wrll include the fast paced and
popular slammers. .Juiy and Anita Govan. as well as the well known Donna Campbell and Milla Brown. Each poet wrll bring her own style. mt and wisdom to the night. covering everything from lesbian laughs and hip hop poetry to social comedy. To mark the occasion they wrll also be performing the work of other great ladies including Sylvia Plath. Carol Ann Duffy and the cheeky Pam Ayers. ‘lt will be a homage to the big women poets.‘ says .Jury.
The performers may all be women but the question of bollocks is not an issue at the door. Men and women are both welcome . . . as long as you have the balls to keep up wrth the girls. (Jane Hamilton)
I Fro/res Without Bo/locks. Tc/iai Ovna, 42 Otago lane. G/asgow. 0747 3:37 4:324. 8— 70pm. 5‘4 (F3). Sun /’ Mar.
DON'TMISSIT
Epiueunou CASTLE ’
Maritime prisoners take centre stage as part of new developments at Edinburgh Castle. This impressive permanent attraction is hosting the new Prisons of War visitor experience and exhibition. Exploring a time in the late 18th century when the castle was the main prison of war in the north. the exhibition presents the tales within the building's vaults. Queen Anne Building and Great Hall were congested with hundreds of sailors captured from the ships of Britain's enemies. And the history of the men can be glimpsed through the heavy doors carved with graffiti alongside model ships and boxes. which have somehow survived over the years.
Historic Scotland‘s director and chief executive, Graeme Munro. says: ‘We're grateful to the organisations and individuals who have loaned artefacts to go on permanent exhibition within the vaults. Together they add a very human dimension to the story of Edinburgh Castle as a prison.‘ Visitors enter from Crown Square. where video footage of an original 17th century staircase kicks off the Prison Vault experience. Animated shadows and music enliven the vaults. decked out as they would have been in 1781.
While you're there other highlights in and around the castle confines include the Mons Meg cannon. an array of military silvenrvare and the stone of destiny. used to crown Scottish kings since time began. Last admission is 45 minutes before
closing time.
I Castle Hill, Royal Mile, 225 9846. 9.30am—5pm. £8.50 ($2436.25)