This film takes place in Yemen, where the tradition of poetry and rhetoric took form in the late 20th century as political discourse, and distributed via audio cassette. Audio cassette distributors sell dubs which contain ""throw-downs"", that is, poetic challenges and replies by famed poets. For people in small towns without newspapers, this has become the virtual op-ed section. The speaker is Yemen expert Dr. Steve Caton, Harvard University. Sponsorship thanks to the Middle East Center, University of Pennsylvania and Penn Cinema Studies. Please come early to the Museum cafe for middle eastern treats!
Free with Museum admission.
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