The government recently appointed Nebiyou Baye as the new director of the National Theatre of Ethiopia. Although he worked in films as an actor and writer on top of lecturing at Addis Ababa University, Nebiyou has spent almost his entire life in the theatre, building up a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bring theatre to a higher level. EBR’s Menna Asrat sat down with him to find out what to expect fat the National Theatre in the coming years.
Awareness about treatment and control of diabetes is extremely low among developing nations like Ethiopia although available evidence suggests an increasing prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors not only on adults but among children. With more children being diagnosed with the illness in the country, EBR’s Menna Asrat took a look at what could be behind the growing rates of diabetes, and what people can do every day to protect their health.
Music has always been an integral part of Ethiopian life, whether it is traditional music or more modern fare. In recent years, with the development of media sharing sites and social media, like Youtube, musicians have found a better and new way to connect with their audience. As a result, the music business is witnessing a dynamic change, which led to the production of some very creative music videos. EBR’s Menna Asrat looks at changing trends in the music business.
Much has been made of the looting of treasures from African countries. Recently, the argument over the ownership of relics taken from Meqdela during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II has sparked renewed interest about the raiding of national treasures in Ethiopia. One of the major institutions responsible for the safeguarding of Ethiopia’s possessions is the National Archive and Library Agency. The Archive is currently undergoing changes, including the construction of a new 13 floor building to better organise its collection. EBR’s Menna Asrat went behind the scenes to see a side of the Archive few visitors get to see.
People with disabilities have generally been kept on the side lines of societal life in Ethiopia, whether because of misconceptions of their abilities and personalities, or because of discrimination. But now, Destino Dance, an Ethiopian social enterprise born to support underprivileged young people, is taking steps to change popular conceptions of marginalised people by hosting intensive classes and training sessions to draw people into the discipline who would never have had a chance before. On the way, the Company is raising the stock of contemporary dance in Ethiopia and around the world. EBR’s Menna Asrat looks at Destino current and past projects and asks what’s next for them.
Period poverty is a huge problem for women all over the world, both in developed and developing countries. Millions of girls especially in developing countries like Ethiopia are forced to skip school every month because of inadequate menstrual supplies, adding up to hundreds of hours of missed classes every academic year. A lack of proper water and sanitation, as well as poverty is preventing girls and women from exploiting their full potential. EBR’s Menna Asrat looks into the actions being taken to address the issue.
Tesfahun Kibru, a 40 year old artist and father of one from Addis Ababa, recently opened an exhibition of his works from the last three years. The artist is renowned for his work made out of everyday things such as scrap metal and rubber to make sculptures, paintings that used rust as paint and works of art that incorporates rubber. The exhibition, which shows off gravity defying sculptures and innovative paintings, shows off the artist’s technical skills, but more than that, his dedication to experimentation and improvisation. EBR’s Menna Asrat visited Tesfahun’s exhibition to find out what makes the artist tick.
From traditional small producers who sell their products in shops in Shiro Meda to international fashion designers, the traditions and patterns associated with Ethiopian traditional garments are making their mark all over the world. However, between fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and the unstable cotton market, some producers and sellers are finding themselves crowded out of the market. The age-old techniques of weaving traditional clothing are competing with modern machine woven textiles, cheaper imported fabrics, and a shrinking number of people willing to learn the craft. EBR’s Menna Asrat reports.
The rapid redevelopment undertakings of the city of Addis Ababa have caused many to question the steps being taken to preserve cultural heritage sites. The recent demolition of Ras Abebe Aregai’s residences near Adwa Bridge and many others heritages wiped out from the city’s new map are only some of the demonstration for the extent of damage. EBR’s Menna Asrat investigates how the city administration plans to preserve Addis Ababa’s architectural and historical stories.
From traditional small producers who sell their products in shops in Shiro Meda to international fashion designers, the traditions and patterns associated with Ethiopian traditional garments are making their mark all over the world. However, between fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and the unstable cotton market, some producers and sellers are finding themselves crowded out of the market. The age-old techniques of weaving traditional clothing are competing with modern machine woven textiles, cheaper imported fabrics, and a shrinking number of people willing to learn the craft. EBR’s Menna Asrat reports.
Menna Asrat