Art for Change at the Square of Change

Walking through the old city in Sana'a there is no doubt that art is alive and is a part of our culture. Architectural beauty is not only appreciated but expected as well. Poetry as a historic form of entertainment, eloquence, and status is another main form of artistic expression in Yemen.

The Revolution has revealed many hidden talents "we have talent, but the Revolution gave us the opportunity to express them" said khallad al-Faqih member of al-Fajr Youth Coalition. Artists have used these talents to promote principles of the Revolution and provide inspiration and entertainment for protesters.

Many artists viewed Yemen as a "grave for talent" because the culture does not necessarily encourage artistic expression and some even look down upon it. There are very few art school, and in the university of the capital Sana'a, there is no art department. Artists hope that after the revolution, there will be a stronger appreciation for the arts in Yemen.

As their role at the squares increases, so does the threat against them by security forces. Artists have sometimes been prevented to bring in their equipment to the square and sometimes their belongings have been confiscated. One artist was also beaten by thugs.

This is a short intro to revolutionary art found at the square: This list of talented individuals gives hope that Art is not dead and may flourish in the new Yemen.

Music:Traditional Oud artist Wissam Al-Qubaty, rapper Ghamdan Ali and guitarist Ahmed Asery are using very different music styles to express revolutionary desires. They sing on social inequality, injustice, and hope for the future. Last night, artist Wissam Al-Qubaty, was chewing qat and entertaining his colleagues at the tent with the beautiful sound of Oud. Friends around him admired the sounds, and one remarked “I wish I could play Oud too.” Revolutionary CDs are being sold in many corners at the square.

Oud artist Wissam Al-Qubaty, Guitarist Ahmed Asery
(Photo on right by Arwa Othman)

Theater: Al-Watan for All Movement حركة الوطن للجميع coalition organized a play at the square entitled “Enough Injustice” in collaboration with actors and singers from the group Youth for the Future شباب من أجل المستقبل. This group is dedicated to using artistic expression for awareness raising. The play was well received as people felt that they could easily relate to it. Theater and visual art may be the best form of awareness raising in a society with very high illiteracy rates.

Poetry: we Yemenis love poetry, it is in everything we do including this Revolution. Poetry's role began to decrease, but with the revolution there is a sense of revival. I began to pay attention to this after a French journalist Ségolène Samouiller, asked me about the role of poetry in the Revolution.

On a daily basis on stage, at least one person has a poetry reading or recital. Sometimes it is their own poem, sometimes not. Poetry found at the square includes classical Arabic and popular poems. Audience always interacts well with poetry. One example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aIzTgf020g&feature=player_embedded

One group at the square called رابطة المبدعين اليمنيين (للثقافة والفنون والأداب the coalition of Talented Yemenis (for literature, art, and culture) uses art to advocate for rights, principles of the revolution, and artistic expression. They work on promoting poetry by conducting many activities including: training for young poets on perfecting language and the power of recital. They have also collected revolutionary poetry in a comprehensive book that they hope to publish soon, once they have gathered enough funding. In addition, many of the newspapers published at the square dedicate a section for poetry giving a chance for anyone to participate and submit their poems.

A page full of poetry in one of the square's newspapers

Painting: Painters are also taking their place at the square. Youth for Freedom and Justice Movement حركة شباب من أجل الحرية والعدالة has a studio-tent as a space for artists and art lovers to participate in expressing their emotions through painting. Art teachers are sometimes present to offer feedback and help young artists. Through their paintings they hope that people will express their inner feelings, and also use this space as a forum for awareness raising. "Art plays an important role in awareness. The number of people that come to our studio is a positive indicator of the civic state we hope for in the future" said Hazbar al-Maqtary, member of the group. So far, there have been at least three visual art exhibits at the square.

Artist painting at the studio-tent in change square

The power of visual art is the reason political cartoonists are publishing their cartoons in the various square newspapers. Assim Al-Madwaly is a young poet and cartoonist who believes that images have the power to change minds. Kamal Sharaf another political cartoonist was previously imprisoned for his cartoons, but today continues to draw.

Photo: Children of Martyrs draw their stories

The paint brush was an important factor in encouraging one youth group to conduct a workshop for children of martyrs. A day for them to draw and express their emotions as a form of art therapy.

Photography & Film: Yemeni Photographers such as Arwa Othman and Abdulrahman Jaber; and film makers such as Sara Ishaq are courage actors often seen at forefront to document the revolution and inspire others with their artistic talents. Their photographs and short clips have allowed the world to see what is happening in Yemen through Yemeni eyes.

Film maker Sara Ishaq in action, Photo by Benjamin Wiacek

Want action? Visit Yemen, we promise you a unique emotional roller coaster

On the morning of April 27, I spent 8 hours with actors rehearsing for a play. One of the funniest actors Mohammed was present, and made us laugh until we almost cried. Four hours later, I ran into him again, but this time at the field hospital. He was one of the injured. Thank God it was only a minor injury, but it nevertheless made me feel so strange. Just a couple of hours ago we were in a room full of laughing people, later we were in a room full of injured people. Instead of the tears of laughter, tears of sadness filled me. The morning after, I saw Mohammed rehearsing again. He had a big smile and it was like nothing happened the day before.

This is the emotional roller coaster we are experiencing at the moment. It’s been three months since the start of the revolution and I am not only physically drained, but emotionally exhausted as well. Here is a diagram of my emotional ups and downs between January 15 until April 29.

The diagram was created after compiling a selection of important dates, mostly political, in the last three months, and designating how they made me feel: happy, sad, or in between. The dates I highlighted below do not encompass all important events, but they are just a selection of few to get an idea of the roller coaster we call Yemeni politics. (key: 2 happy, 1 in between, 0 unhappy)


Summary of the emotional roller coaster
January 15 ☺ Yemenis celebrated Ben Ali’s fall by protesting.

February 2 ☺☹ in an emergency Parliamentary meeting, Saleh announced that he would not run again. (Great, but not enough).

February 3 ☺Despite the President’s promises, Yemenis went to the street to call for change on the Day of Rage

February 21 ☺ First tents went up around Sana’a University’s eastern gate.

February 22 ☹ 12 peaceful protesters were killed in Aden when security shot at protesters

February 23 ☺ 8 MPs of the ruling party resigned and Saleh ordered security forces to protect protesters.

February 25 ☹ two days after the President’s promise, thugs opened fire on protesters killing four

March 3 ☺ opposition groups agreed on a transition plan which they would offer Saleh
March 4 ☹ Saleh rejected opposition’s offer

March 18 ☹ At least 52 people were killed and over 200 injured when snipers shot at peaceful protesters in Sana’a

March 21 ☹☺ General Ali Mohsen joined the protests. While it was seen as a sign that the revolution will succeed, it was accepted with extreme uneasiness by many.

March 22 ??? Saleh stated two things: 1) that he would be willing to step down by the end of the year as part of a "constitutional transfer of power," but also issued a statement saying that he considered the protests to be a
"coup" and that a civil war would eventually ensue if protests continued

March 23 ☹ parliament enacted a thirty-day emergency law which suspended the constitution, allowed media censorship, banned street protests and gave security forces far-reaching powers to arrest and detain suspects.

March 24 ☺ Saleh accepted the opposition's transition plan (after he had rejected it 20 days earlier)

March 25 ☹ One day later, Saleh announced at a public appearance that he won't to step down but will seek dialogue with anti-government protesters and make concessions

March 28 ☺☹ Closed door meetings between Saleh, Ali Mohsen, opposition and the US discussing plan that he would hand over power to the vice president and formation of a new government

April 4 ☹ security on rooftops fired at protesters in Taiz killing 12 demonstrators and wounding 30

April 8 ??? Saleh rejected GCC bid.

April 23 ☺☹ Saleh announced he accepted the GCC plan

April 24 ??? Saleh announced on BBC that he would only leave through the ballot box.

April 25 ☺☹ Opposition accepted GCC plan

April 27 ☹ A leading opposition figure, announced GCC plan will be formalized on May 2 or sooner. Same day, security forces shot at protesters killing 12 and injuring over 100.

April 28 ☹ Saleh announced he will have reservations about signing if Qatar representatives are present among the Gulf foreign ministers.

April 30 ☹ Secretary General of GCC arrived in Sana'a to deliver the initiative to Saleh for him to sign later in the day. With invitations sent to all sides to attend signing ceremony Sunday in Riyadh. The morning of this day, heavy violence by security against protesters in Aden.

=====
With these political ups and downs can you blame us for being cautious with our feelings. We can’t be too excited about any prospects until we see real action and not just promises.

p.s. if you believe any of these dates are incorrect please let me know.

Demands of the Revolutionary Youth

Many people ask the pro-democracy movement, "what do you really want?". In an attempt to answer that question, various groups from different backgrounds met extensively for about a month and finally reached an agreement of these 13 demands.

These demands were also discussed in different governorates and have found a great deal of acceptance. they have been printed and distributed throughout the squares of Yemen.

These are the demands of the Revolutionary youth:

Another attack on peaceful protesters in Sanaa

On April 27, 2011 around 6 pm, peaceful protesters were marching near May 22 stadium in Sana'a when they were brutally attacked by live ammunition, rocks, and batons. Field hospital medics announced at least 11 deaths and hundreds wounded. I saw 9 bodies at the field hospital. Very frightening is the fact that some wounded are kidnapped by security. We have no confirmation at the moment of the number of those kidnapped.

Abdulrahman al-Okairi, is a 14 yr. old martyr. He was in the 9th grade

Hidden Heroes of the Revolution

Revolutions need leaders to help spark the movement. To maintain the momentum and succeed, everyone's participation is needed. The beauty of this revolution is that everyone has a role. The intellectuals challenge us to think beyond the obvious, artists inspire us with their revolutionary art, historians provide us with lessons from past revolutions, youth are passionately and courageously marching for our dignity and freedom, mothers are cooking for the protesters, human rights activists are documenting violations, researchers are writing policy briefs for the future, and doctors have stopped working in their clinics and instead are volunteering their time for a better future for all.

Not everyone is equally recognized because many are working behind the scenes. Here is a list of some groups of people that are working hard for the revolution with little recognition. There are many other hidden heroes, but this is a small attempt to highlight some.

Motorcyclists: motorcyclists have played a great and important role not only in transporting people and journalists to squares of change, but more importantly their heroic role in transporting the wounded to hospitals; especially when ambulances have been blocked.

Spouses: protesters have been camping in the squares of change for two months. During this time, husbands and wives have sometimes been separated for a long time. Without the emotional support and encouragement of the spouse, protesters would not be able to dedicate so much of their time on the revolution.

Lobbyists: there are many different groups in Yemen and outside Yemen that are working tirelessly to help spread accurate information about the revolution and the situation in Yemen to decision makers, media, and influential people. This is often conducted behind the scenes and major players are usually not recognized. Nevertheless, it's a very important job.

Taxi drivers: taxi drivers have agreed to take protesters and journalists to dangerous areas in order to help spread information and report on the current revolution. These acts are also very admirable.

Volunteers: there are many different committees at the squares of change including: media, organization, medical, finance, security, and legal committees. They all depend on dedicated volunteers who work day and night for the revolution. For example, members of the security committee who guard the entrances spend hours doing a long, boring, but very important job of checking all those who enter. Under the sun or rain they remain steadfast.

This Revolution is truly by All and for All.

Pharmacy at square of change run by volunteers
photo by Benjamin Wiacek

Attack against peaceful protesters

On April 19, 2011 peaceful protesters were marching in the streets of Sana'a. They were attacked with live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas. The following images were taken at the field hospital after the attacks.

Three pictures, three words: One Revolution

HOPE

DETERMINATION

CONFIDENCE

Saleh's speech on "mixing of men & women" & its implications

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh recently used another political tool to try and suppress the pro-change protests. Like many leaders worldwide, he used "women" as a tool against his opponents. His brief statement on the prohibition of mixing between women and men (English text of President's speech) along with the smear campaigns on national TV against women implies that women in pro-change square are "loose" women. This is a great insult to all women activists. It is a dishonor to all women, their families and tribes.

His speech has numerous implications. He is clearly trying to appeal to the Salafis as he has done in the past, either to gain their support or potentially turn them against protesters. As a political analyst said: "this could give space for the formation of a future lobby led by Salafis to limit women’s participation in society". A worrisome example, is that some protesters were upset by the "accusation of mixing" and in response demanded separation of men and women "to prove him wrong." This is what caused the clashes between some members of the 1st brigade along with members of organizational committee; and a number of women activists yesterday. This is a dangerous precedent especially in light of the fact that men and women worked side by side as partners from the beginning.

The speech is also an effort to divide protesters. By trying to expose the hypocrisy of some Salafis who previously spoke out against mixing on numerous occasions, but have recently "allowed" it for the sake of the revolution; Saleh hopes to turn liberals against conservatives within the pro-change movement.

His attempt however backfired, at least for now, as more women joined the movement. In response to his speech, thousands of women took to the street on April 16, 2011. We must deal with the potential impact of this by raising awareness on women's rights and having an open honest discussion. At the same time, we must not give up just yet. The second phase of the revolution has just begun.

The following are some videos of the march, two short clips of women's reaction, and videos of slogans and chants.

Interviews:





Chants Used:

النساء مع الرجال.. ثورتنا ثورة نضال
women with men..our revolution is a revolution of struggle



اعتراض اعتراض..يا علي إلا الأعراض
objection, objection..O Ali anything but our honor



يا حكومة يا سخيفة.. بنت اليمن هي شريفة
O silly government..Yemen's daughter is honorable



ارحل.. ارحل..ارحل
Out..Out..Out



اعتصام اعتصام.. حتى يسقط النظام
Sit-in sit-in.. until end of the regime

Relationship Status: It's Complicated

For the past two months, my husband has been quite upset/jealous about my deep relationship with Mr. Revolution. My mind and heart have been preoccupied with anything revolution related. In the few hours I am home, I am usually watching the news, blasting revolutionary music, on twitter or facebook, or writing something related to the revolution.

When I first met Mr. Revolution back in late January 2011, it was love at first sight. It was a dream come true to see my fellow Yemenis finally breaking the barrier of fear and speaking out. The square represents a new Yemen; a Yemen where everyone, despite our differences, is working together for a greater cause. Daily seminars on equality, future expectations, human rights, etc, fill the square. Music, art and poetry illuminate the area. When I am there I am filled with hope and excitement. It is truly a dream come true.

For these reasons and many more, I felt a deep love towards Mr. Revolution. For a long time, I was in a euphoric state. When you meet someone new, you have many high expectations. When these expectations are not met, we become very disappointed. With time, as in most relationships, I began to see some troubling signs. I took them seriously, because I am afraid of having my heart broken in the future.

It first started when General Ali Mohsen, a man known for his corruption and bloody history, befriended Mr. Revolution. Hand in hand they marched. The General was hailed as a hero and as a protector. I was shocked, disappointed but decided to overlook this for the general good of the relationship. Then other troubling events occurred, including the time when women were “barred” from marching (see this blog post). More worrisome, is the common accusations directed at people who criticize Mr. Revolution. If you criticize anything you are quickly labeled one of two things: a spy for the government or someone who wants to divide the revolution.
Of course, some of our mutual friends will be upset that I am discussing this publically. However, I am a firm believer in the following:
• Disagreements are very NATURAL and in fact healthy. If we all agreed on everything, it means we are not honest and are not engaging in real dialogue.
• It is important to document reality and to have an honest assessment of the situation in order to better predict future possibilities, potentials, and scenarios.
• I believe that honesty promotes credibility.

Regardless of all the negatives, I am still very proud of Mr. Revolution. All I need to do is remember the amazing and unimaginable things that have happened in the past two months. The unity amongst people divided for 33 years, the peaceful resistance of an armed population, and the aspirations for justice, freedom, and equality.

If you love someone, you have to work hard to maintain that relationship, and not leave as soon as you see alarm bells. I will try my best, work on this relationship to preserve its essence. Some may call me an idealist (you know who you are); others might be upset that I invoked these negative aspects of the revolution in public. Reality is, I am neither. I do not want to be too naïve, but I also do not want to give up too easily. That way, at least, I will not have any regrets. I encourage everyone to be honest and keep an open eye, but not give up at the same time.

No matter the ups and downs. I will always love you Mr. Revolution. You have given me so much, in such a short time. While my husband is still jealous about my relationship, he is happy that I will not give up just yet (yes he’s a very understanding man).

Note: this post has NOTHING to do with Saleh’s fatwa/speech on women and mixing. I am not giving his speech any importance and it will not divide us.

Campers at Sanaa sit-in prepare for the long haul

Every time I visit the square I am awed by how quickly things change. New tents sprig up everywhere, new signs, and new types of tents. Today I realized that campers are not only prepared for the rainy season, but are also prepared for the long haul. Some tents have evolved into wooden “rooms”. What was once a cheap small tent has now become a wooden tent. People are making it more cozy because they are prepared to stay as long as it takes.

Protection "roofs" from the rain

Wooden tents