Our World, Connected

Culture and Education: Seeds of Hope in Times of Conflict

Jul 17, 2024

Dr. Hala Nur, a dedicated professional with the British Council, shares her firsthand experiences from Sudan's 'forgotten war'. She emphasizes the power of artistic expression and education as lifelines amid chaos. The discussion also highlights Amr Gamal’s innovative staging of Hamlet in Aden, merging classic literature with local culture to inspire youth. Both guests showcase how resilience, culture, and communal efforts pave the way for hope and recovery, proving that art can thrive even in the darkest of times.

40:22

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Hala Nur

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Quick takeaways

Cultural and educational initiatives, even during conflict, serve as vital tools for fostering hope and community resilience.

Engaging youth in creative expressions, like theater, empowers them to become change-makers and rebuild their societies post-conflict.

Deep dives

The Power of Culture and Education in Conflict

During times of conflict and uncertainty, the roles of culture and education are often undervalued. However, these elements play a crucial role in nurturing hope and laying the groundwork for a peaceful future. The discussion emphasizes that despite the immediate challenges of survival, engaging with culture and education can help individuals find meaning and community. This perspective urges a reevaluation of priorities, advocating for the significance of cultural activities and educational initiatives even in crises.

Intro

3min

Reviving Theatre: A Unique Adaptation of Hamlet in Aden

2min

Hamlet in Aden: A Cultural Revival

7min

Empowering Youth Through Cultural and Educational Programs in Sudan

2min

Resilience and Renewal in Sudan

20min

Empowering Youth for a Hopeful Tomorrow in Sudan

5min

When violent conflict erupts, you might think that staging a Shakespearean play would not be a priority. You might think that developing your business skills is a luxury reserved for peaceful times. In this episode of Our World, Connected, Christine Wilson talks to two guests whose work challenges these notions.

Dr Hala Nur joins us to discuss her experience of working for the British Council during Sudan’s ‘forgotten war’. Hala has seen first-hand the relief that artistic expression can bring in times of war, and how education can be a beacon of hope. She highlights the extraordinary efforts and achievements of her team who continue their work in supporting arts and education, despite adversity.

Amr Gamal shares the inspiring story of his unique production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Aden, Yemen, in 2023. Amr’s story highlights the enduring power of classics and the vital role of culture in rebuilding communities.

This episode, inspired by the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah’s theme of ‘planting seeds to harvest hope’, challenges us to rethink the importance of culture and education during times of crisis. Tune in to learn how this essential work is sustained by remarkable people who are shaping a path towards a more peaceful future.

Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.

What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?

If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠researchglobal@britishcouncil.org⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode

Dive deeper:

‘85’: a poem by Benjamin Zephaniah - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/english-currency

Discover young Sudanese perspectives with the British Council Next Generation Sudan report - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/next-generation-sudan

Learn more about Amr Gamal’s work in theatre and film - https://theamrgamal.info

Follow British Council Research and Insight:

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Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight