Poetry and Songs of the Middle East

In a fascinating look at the history and cultures of the Middle East, award-winning poet Ruth Padel will be reading from her book Learning to Make an Oud in Nazareth.

The book celebrates the different groups with links to the Holy Land – Jews, Christians and Arabs – the glorious cultural heritage and the tragedies.

There will be additional readings of classic Islamic, Jewish, Christian and agnostic poetry and music from the Middle East.

Ruth Padel is a leading poet, novelist and conservationist. Her previous book The Mara Crossing deals with migrations in the natural and human world – and tackles themes of exile, persecution and how we treat strangers.

At a time when a flood of refugees from the region is testing our conscience, this interfaith event reflects the common humanity behind the headlines and conflicts.

Tuesday December 1st, 7.30 pm. Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans. Tickets £5 from

http://www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk/whats-on.php

For more information visit http://www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk/whats-on.php