Shakespeare in Kabul: Qais Akbar Omar's Journey Through Time and Conflict

Shakespeare in Kabul

by Qais Akbar Omar

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	695 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages
Paperback	:	378 pages
Item Weight	:	1.15 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.75 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches

FREE

In the war-torn city of Kabul, Afghanistan, there is an extraordinary tale of art, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of human creativity. Amidst the ruins and the despair, Shakespeare's timeless words have found a voice through the groundbreaking work of Qais Akbar Omar, the founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM).

Qais Akbar Omar's journey is an epic saga that spans decades and continents. Born in Kabul in 1959, he grew up with a deep love for his country and its rich cultural heritage. However, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 shattered his idyllic childhood, forcing him to flee with his family to Pakistan.

In the refugee camps of Pakistan, Omar found solace and a lifeline in the writings of Shakespeare. The Bard's words resonated deeply with him, offering a timeless perspective on the human condition and a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of war.

Inspired by Shakespeare's universality, Omar resolved to bring the power of theater to his war-torn homeland. In 2008, he returned to Kabul and founded ANIM with the belief that music and art could be powerful instruments of healing, reconciliation, and transformation.

The establishment of ANIM was a bold and audacious undertaking. Afghanistan was a country scarred by decades of conflict, with a deep mistrust of the arts. However, Omar was undeterred. He gathered a group of talented young musicians and actors and began teaching them the rudiments of Western classical music and drama.

The journey was fraught with challenges. The students faced societal stigmas and resistance from conservative elements within Afghan society. The security situation in Kabul was often precarious, with the threat of violence and explosions ever present.

Despite the adversity, ANIM persevered. The students embraced their newfound passion with zeal, finding solace and expression in the world of music and theater. They performed Shakespeare's plays in Dari, the official language of Afghanistan, making the Bard's timeless words accessible to a new audience.

The impact of ANIM's work extended far beyond the stage. The students became beacons of hope and inspiration for their country. They participated in international cultural exchanges, representing Afghanistan on the world stage and breaking down stereotypes.

The recognition of ANIM's achievements culminated in 2015 with the release of the award-winning documentary film 'Shakespeare in Kabul.' The film, directed by Fiona Lloyd Davies, follows Omar and his students over the course of four years, capturing their struggles, triumphs, and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.

'Shakespeare in Kabul' is not merely a story about theater; it is a profound exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the capacity of art to bridge divides and heal wounds.

Qais Akbar Omar's journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of creativity that can flourish even in the most desolate and troubled times. Through his unwavering dedication and belief in the power of art, he has given a voice to the voiceless and brought a glimmer of hope to a nation torn apart by war.

The legacy of ANIM continues to inspire and challenge. It stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit has the capacity to create, to dream, and to transcend adversity.

Shakespeare in Kabul

by Qais Akbar Omar

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	695 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages
Paperback	:	378 pages
Item Weight	:	1.15 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.75 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches

FREE