Montegrappa, the Italian manufacturer of fine writing instruments, has collaborated with the Gibran National Committee, the Lebanese Embassy and the Lebanese Business Council in the UAE, the Dubai International Writers Centre, and leading event organizer BOLDtalks to stage a weeklong celebration dedicated to Khalil Gibran this April.
Universally celebrated for ‘The Prophet’, the acclaimed volume of prose poetry essays published in 1923, Khalil Gibran has been a source of spiritual nourishment for nearly a century, for the Arab and the English-speaking worlds.
The tribute kicks off with ‘Rest Upon The Wind’, a play inspired by Gibran’s life, written and directed by playwright and actor Nadim Sawalha and produced by Ali Matar, with performances on April 14 and 15, in Abu Dhabi, at the Al Jaheli Theatre (the Armed Forces Officers’ Club), and April 16, 17 and 18 in Dubai, at Ductac Theatre, Mall of the Emirates.
A labour of love from Montegrappa, the Gibran National Committee, and renowned Lebanese artist Katja Traboulsy, the Genio Creativo Kahlil Gibran Pen Collection is an homage to Gibran’s legacy. The pens are made of resin in a colour reminiscent of the blue, black and grey prominent in Gibran’s paintings. The rich, dark hue is accented with palladium plated trim, while the fountain pen nib is two tone 18K solid gold and bears the famous face believed by many to be Gibran’s ultimate self-portrait.
The week wraps up with a ‘Celebration of Gibran’ poetry recital on April 19, hosted by Montegrappa, at the Dubai International Writers’ Centre in Al Shindagha historical neighborhood. This special evening is attended by the President of the Gibran National Committee of Lebanon, Dr. Tarek Chidiac, and features ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ presenter Georges Kordahi reciting some of Gibran’s iconic poetry, alongside an operatic performance by the Emirates Opera Project.
For more info, please visit the official website www.montegrappa.com or www.facebook.com/MontegrappaItalia.