Celebrating The Common in Amman, Jordan

This May, contributors featured in The Common’s latest issue, Issue 29, gathered in Amman to read their work. The event was organized by HISHAM BUSTANI, guest editor of the issue’s Amman portfolio, to celebrate the portfolio’s publication by creating a space where these writers could share their pieces aloud. Having translated many of the featured pieces, ADDIE LEAK read excerpts from her work. HALEEMAH DERBASHI, author of the enigmatic essay-portrait of Amman, Serious Attempts at Locating the City,” was interviewed about the event by the University of Jordan Radio. HUSAM MANASRAH, whose photos artfully capture the practices of various tradespeople in Amman, spoke to Aljazeera after the reading. 

We were so excited to see all these people gathered in a shared place to appreciate and commemorate the work of these artists. If you weren’t at the event, a sense of Amman and these writers’ perspectives can be found in Issue 29 and online in our Amman portfolio.

Spectators watching the reading event in Amman
Image of the reading event in Amman

Photos curtesy of Hisham Bustani

Spectators watching the reading event in Amman

From the beginning, The Common has brought you transportive writing and exciting new voices. We are committed to supporting writers and maintaining free, unrestricted access to our website, but we can’t do it without you. Become an integral part of our global community of readers and writers by donating today. No amount is too small. Thank you!

Celebrating The Common in Amman, Jordan

Related Posts

cover of the slip

Podcast: Lucas Schaefer on “Tuesday”

LUCAS SCHAEFER
Lucas Schaefer speaks to managing editor Emily Everett about his story “Tuesday,” which appears in The Common’s brand new spring issue. “Tuesday” is an excerpt from his novel The Slip, out June 3 from Simon & Schuster; both center on a motley cast of characters at a boxing gym in Austin, Texas.

Two people sitting next to each other in front of a house, holding textiles.

Raffia Memory

LILY LLOYD BURKHALTER
By this point, Albert was holding my shoulders in a tight grip. Neither of us spoke. In the museum’s subdued light, time sputtered to a halt—as it must have for the boy years ago, facing down the snake or the village elder, depending on what one believes.