Ep.372: A Shining Star with Matteo El Khodr

Episode 372: 'A Shining Star' with Matteo El Khodr, taped live at Aaliya's Books. A conversation with actor and countertenor Matteo El Khodr. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/4t_bYwpVVG4 Covering the role of artists in defending free expression, persevering as a performer despite all types of difficulties in Lebanon, and a unique voice that merges art with activism. Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 3:58 An artist today 9:51 The beginning 13:35 Countertenor 19:18 "The most beautiful years of our lives" 29:04 Professional decision to return home 33:18 Decriminalization of homosexuality 36:18 Limited out of fear 43:39 Chicago Arabia 51:28 Lebanon being injured 55:31 Cosmopolitanism 1:07:25 Q&A