The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish Exhibition Celebrates Poet's Legacy At House Of Wisdom

The House of Wisdom in Sharjah is hosting an exhibition titled "The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish," inaugurated by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This exhibition, running until March 13, 2026, celebrates the legacy of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. It offers a cultural journey through six sections inspired by dice faces, showcasing his life and creative milestones.

During the opening ceremony, artist Marcel Khalife performed live, presenting compositions inspired by Darwish's poetry. His performance included pieces like "Rita and the Rifle" and "To My Mother," adding emotional depth to the verses. Khalife also shared memories of collaborating with Darwish, highlighting how he was asked to compose "The Pigeons Fly," which he completed after Darwish's passing.

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Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, commented on the exhibition's significance: "The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish reflects HoW’s unwavering commitment to preserving poetry as a vital intellectual and cultural force. Darwish was a rare poet who transformed both personal and national struggle into a mirror of existence. The exhibition does more than recount his life; it stirs the conscience of a nation through the story of a man who crafted hope from pain and a homeland from exile. His voice endures as a timeless beacon of freedom and dignity for generations."

The event was attended by notable figures including Mubarak Al Nakhi from the Ministry of Culture, Mohammad Assad, Consul General of Palestine in Dubai, and Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi from Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations. Other attendees included Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer from Shurooq and Marwa Al Aqroubi from HoW.

The exhibition provides an interactive experience using modern audiovisual technology to immerse visitors in Darwish’s poetry and prose. It goes beyond biography by tracing his work's evolution through words, images, and music. This approach reflects his vision of life and poetry while offering insights into his creative journey.

Amer Shomali, Director General of the Palestinian Museum, expressed his appreciation for the exhibition: "I once sat two metres from Darwish; it felt like seeing and hearing him for the first time. This exhibition rekindled that feeling, drawing me closer not only to him but to a poetic world that transcends time and place. Each piece offers a glimpse into Darwish as both a man and a poet."

The opening also saw participation from cultural figures such as Alia Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi from Sharjah Government Media Bureau and Khalid Jasim Saif Al Midfa from Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. International artist Marcel Khalife joined alongside other cultural personalities.

This artistic journey at HoW highlights Mahmoud Darwish's enduring impact on literature and culture. By exploring his life's stages through various media forms, visitors gain deeper insights into his poetic contributions that continue to resonate globally.

With inputs from WAM