Worldwide Readings in Support of Ashraf Fayadh

A Worldwide Reading in support of Ashraf has been organised by the international literature festival Berlin (ilb) for today, the 14th January 2016. Ashraf is a Palestinian poet that has been sentenced to death for apostasy in Saudi Arabia.

PEN urges the Saudi Arabian to commute Ashraf’s death sentence immediately.

PEN South Africa is taking part in the Worldwide Reading online by sharing readings of Ashraf’s work.

PEN South Africa President Margie Orford reading excerpts from “Frida Kahlo’s Mustache” and “Asylum” by Ashraf Fayadh. Photograph of Margie Orford by Giorgia Fanelli.

Ishtiyaq Shukri reading excerpts from “Frida Kahlo’s Mustache” by Ashraf Fayadh.

Omani poets and artists, who wish to remain anonymous, performing “Frida Kahlo’s Moustache” by Ashraf Fayadh in its original Arabic.

Don Beukes reading excerpts from “Frida Kahlo’s Mustache” by Ashraf Fayadh.

PEN SA board member Justin Fox reading an excerpt from “Asylum” by Ashraf Fayadh. Photograph of Justin courtesy of Getaway.

“Frida Kahlo’s Mustache” is from the poetry collection Instructions Within (Beirut: Al-Farabi, 2008) by Ashraf Fayadh, translated from the Arabic by Fady Joudah. “Asylum” is also taken from Instructions Within, first section translated by Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi.

Thank you to Margie Orford, Ishtiyaq Shukri, Don Beukes, Justin Fox and the group of Omani poets and artists that have shared their readings.

Our colleagues at PEN Kenya have also shared a recording of their reading, which was aired on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), hosted by PEN Kenya President Khainga O’Okwemba: