Beyond the Ten Commandments

Image by Amir Or

By Riva Gold October 28, 2010

Crossposted from Haaretz

Artists from across the world descended on the Arab-Hebrew Theatre of Jaffa last week to take part in the 10th annual Sha’ar International Poetry Festival. The festival, which took place October 21 to 23, featured film screenings, live music, dance, and of course, poetry.

Image by Amir Or

The theme of this year’s showcase, titled “Sex, Lies and God,” was The Ten Commandments. “What we find in the Decalogue — sex, lies, and God — that’s what occupies our minds; what every mortal deals with,” explains artistic director Amir Or. Poets from across the world were invited to expose modern-day golden calves, self-imposed commandments and ethical traps. At intermission, audience members were asked to contribute an 11th commandment in poetry or prose.

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