Syrian composer and clarinetist, Kinan Azmeh, and Syrian-Armenian visual artist, Kevork Mourad, both based in New York City, held a 60-minute audio-visual performance, titled "Home Within" at AUB Assembly Hall. Part of the proceeds of "Home Within" will go to support young artists through Ettijahat's grant program and the Syrian Students Scholarship Fund at AUB.
In this performance art and music develop in counterpoint to each other, creating an impressionistic reflection on the Syrian revolution and its aftermath. Rather than following a narrative, the artists documented specific moments in Syria's recent history and reached into their emotional content in a semi-abstract way.
"Home Within" was premiered in Montreal at the Festival Du Nouveau Cinema in 2013, and has been touring North America and Europe in efforts to raise awareness and funds for Syrian Refugees through a number of charitable organizations.
"Home Within is not about summarizing the Syrian story and it's not about political slogans so much as it is about documenting how we have felt at different times from the beginning of the uprising until now. It's a tragedy that continues to unfold in front of our eyes." said Kinan Azmeh in a recent interview. Reaching Lebanon, Kevork Mourad said, "Through Home Within, we express the feelings of every Syrian living this tragedy. Art has a way of alleviating sorrows and this is what we aim for in our performance. Performing in Lebanon gives us motivation, since this country knows what the Syrian people are going through."
Roula Douaidy & Néda Ziadé, owners of Events Production, who organized the performance in Beirut said: "Art & Culture have always been an important way of expression. Home Within is not just a cultural event, but foremost a message of humanity to the world. Held in Beirut, this performance rings the bell, spreading awareness on the sorrow of the Syrian people."
