Thu 9 Dec

On Thursday, after a heavy day of teaching and socialising with my students, I got home exhausted to find Katy and Max had dropped by on their way to the National Theatre in Omdurman. They had got a spare ticket so I thought I would tag along for a special programme celebrating the International Day of Human Rights.

Outside the auditorium were lots of stalls from participating NGOs, displays of contemporary art, and an exhibition of children's drawings – all inspired by the issues around violations of Human Rights.

Inside we found a colonial style open-air auditorium with capacity for several thousand and a proper stage with back drops, lighting, and regal, velvet curtains.

The programme featured a very competent youth orchestra, some cute kids dancing to some moody music, and readings from the winning entrants of the short-story competition. We also had a competent but wooden performance from a popular Sudanese singer and his orchestra. It was an evening of proud parents and prize-givings, of cokes and kebabs, and at times a little cheesy but certainly a nice change.