An evening with Martha and Eve
High quality entertainment is expected at a performance given to honour the memory of slain journalist Daniel Pearl
When the American journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in February 2002, the killing struck a raw chord in public opinion around the world. He happened to be a journalist in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the issues behind the reason for his murder ran deep.
In a world divided by prejudice, too many lives are lost because of cultural, religious and political differences. Just four months after 9/11, Daniel was retracing the steps of ‘shoe bomber’ Richard Reid and hoped to meet with Sheikh Gilani, a spiritual leader, when he was abducted. For weeks, millions around the world rallied for his release. In Daniel, the terrorists believed they had abducted a media figure, an American and a Jew. Ironically, Daniel was a man who was always open to other perspectives and backgrounds, using his writing to shed light on other cultures and often uncovering the truth from the rubble of war and devastation during America’s ‘war on terror’.
His murder was confirmed on February 21 and as the Daniel Pearl Foundation was set up in his memory, thousands around the world were inspired to promote cultural understanding. In the spirit of Daniel’s love for music and commitment to dialogue, his family launched the first Daniel Pearl Music Days on October 10, 2002, the day that would have been his 39th birthday.
Using the power of music to promote tolerance and inspire respect for differences, Daniel Pearl Music Days has grown to include thousands of performances in over 60 countries. Here in Cyprus, the special music days are organised on a yearly basis by a group of local musicians and poets under the name of ‘Harmony4Humanity’.
This year, the highlight of the Daniel Pearl Days will be a concert by Martha Lewis and Eve Polycarpou this Thursday evening at the American Centre in Nicosia.
Following the stomping success of their show in Nicosia last year, these Mediterranean madams return to Cyprus by special invite. This time round, they will be accompanied by Stephen Fletcher on keyboards and the master bouzouki player, Pavlos Doukanaris. The concert is part of an international tour, which celebrates their 20-year partnership, and at one point saw them billed as Donna and Kebab.
Martha and Eve are two British-born Cypriots driven by the desire to see prejudice and boundaries of all descriptions broken down. “The event is about making people aware of difficult and controversial subjects, bringing critical issues to light and promoting peace and human rights,” says Martha. “It’s especially moving for us to perform in Cyprus because it’s part of our roots. But to perform close to the Green Line is particularly important because it’s about bringing people together, and most of all, about peace.”
Their music balances the influences of their parent culture with their own urban experience. “As Cypriots growing up in Britain, we’ve come across our fair share of discrimination, our act is a reflection of the people we are and the things we feel. Most of all, we believe in freedom of expression.” They actually started off as an award winning comedy duo in the UK, turning their direction towards music and song writing in 1992. Because of their past, their musical performance is full of humour and banter in between sets. On stage, their personalities are irresistibly honest, raw and energetic, with their gigs always revolving around communicating with the audience.
Expect bags of spirit, delivered alongside stunning music that takes the audience effortlessly from western blues to Mediterranean soul. Time Out London described their show as “Not to be missed”, while the Evening Standard described this fiery twosome as an absolute treat with “excellent acoustic guitar, expert hand drumming and spine tingling vocal harmonies”.
Currently also involved with individual work, Eve is now part of the theatre production Lisa’s Sex Strike based on Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, which is on tour throughout the UK to critical acclaim. Martha is currently promoting the debut CD release of her world/contemporary music project, ‘Caf? Aman’.
The upcoming concert will also include a poetry slam by Haji Mike, Zeki Ali, Stephanos Stephanides and Sonero, where three poets and one percussionist unite together in a performance totally unique for Cyprus.
Martha and Eve Concert
Concert to include a poetry slam from Haji Mike, Zeki Ali, Stephanos Stephanides and Sonero. October 18. The American Centre (Fullbright), 33b Omirou St, Nicosia. 8pm until late. Free. Tel: 22-352563
Other events taking place within the framework of Daniel Pearl music days:
October 17 (morning): A discussion with the editor of the Cyprus Mail, Kosta Pavlowitch, on ‘The Dangers of Being a Journalist in Conflict/War’. Main Conference Room, University of Nicosia (Intercollege). 12-2pm. Tel: 22-352563
October 17 (evening): Screening of The Journalist and The Jihaddi, HBO documentary. UNESCO Amphitheatre, University of Nicosia. 6pm-9pm. Tel: 22-352563
